Photo courtesy of Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 HEB Park 1616 S. Raul Longoria Road Edinburg, TX 78542 Rio Grande Valley FC Toros website HEB Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 9,735 The Toros are Thriving in the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas is an area of the state unlike any other. The blending of American and Mexican culture is everywhere. With the palm tree-lined streets and nearly year-round warm weather, it is possible to close your eyes and imagine you are in another country entirely. In recent years, the Edinburg-McAllen metro area has seen a renaissance of industry and growth moving into the area. Edinburg especially has been the beneficiary of this growth, as it has found itself the recipient of a United Soccer League franchise. The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros were founded in 2015 and began playing in 2016. To go along with their status as a professional sports town, the team ownership and the city collaborated on a beautiful, state of the art facility for their club: HEB Park, which opened at the beginning of 2017. Sleek and modern, the stadium has quickly become a fan favorite. Food & Beverage 4 Visitors to HEB Park will have all of their food and drink needs met. There are four main concessions areas – two in each of the stadium’s two concourses. The areas serve all the traditional game fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, soda, and draft beer. There are two stands that offer a pared down menu of the hamburger chain, Fuddruckers. Two of the locations also offer French toast on a stick. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen also has a pop-up tent stand, that offers a pared down menu in the open area walkway in the north end of the stadium. You can also buy fruit cups at scattered pop ups, and at a few of the concessions kiosks. Another highlight, especially for adults, is the smoothie stand located in the east concourse. This vendor serves various sizes of traditional, fruity smoothies that are appropriate for all ages. However, they also serve “adult smoothies”, which combine the tasty drinks with alcoholic “enhancements”. Another highlight is the beautiful Scoreboard Bar in the north concourse area. Modeled after a similar structure at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA, this full-service bar serves as the base of the main scoreboard at HEB Park. It is a full-service bar and a hub of activity throughout the game (which will be discussed further later in this review). Atmosphere 4 Being so close to the Mexican border, where the sport of futbol is a national obsession, makes HEB Park in Edinburg the perfect spot for the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. The parking lot of HEB Park is a sea of activity before the start of games, as fans do a healthy dose of tailgating for several hours prior to game time. The stands are awash in Toros orange, and it is quite impressive how quickly the area has embraced the new team. Fans wear t-shirts, jerseys/kits, and scarves – albeit in a lighter than usual fabric, as temperatures on the pitch can get up into the 100-plus degrees during the summer. There is also an official fan club, The Stampede, which has taken up residence in the west concourse bleachers. With their chanting, cheering and drum banging (they bring their own drums to the game), they supply a constant stream of energy that infects the home crowd throughout the stadium. The acoustics, despite being open-ended on each side, are perfect for soccer. Also adding to the atmosphere is the aforementioned Scoreboard Bar, which becomes a hub for fans who need to stretch their legs, grab a quick bite and/or meet up with some fellow soccer enthusiasts. There is a live music stage set up adjacent to the bar, which also enhances the game watching experience. Once the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros start to develop a culture of winning, and HEB Park begins to attract even more high-profile “friendlies”, you can expect an even more electric atmosphere in the stadium. Neighborhood 3 It does take an effort to get to the Rio Grande Valley from any of the large cities in Texas. You can fly many large commercial airlines to nearby McAllen. Driving though, it is almost three and a half hours from San Antonio and almost five from Austin. However, once you’re down there, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission (the birthplace of Tom Landry), Harlingen, Weslaco, and even Brownsville are all within “shouting” distance. If you bring your passport, you can easily get to Reynosa and Rio Bravo across the U.S. border. This large metro area offers an abundance of activities (it is the birding capital of the United States if you are a nature lover), as well as many hotel and restaurant options. If you are looking for a bite to eat, you have to try out some authentic Tex-Mex/Mexican cuisine – I can personally vouch for Costa Messa Restaurant as being one of the best in the area. Fans 4 I really can’t say enough about how enthusiastic and knowledgeable Toros fans are. It probably helps that the area has a long affinity for the sport (the Edinburg-McAllen-Mission metro area has close to 500 weekend and amateur soccer clubs), and that affinity shows up during Toros games at HEB Park. Fans here cheer on breakaways, on defensive stops, on shots on goals, and, of course, on actual home team goals. You’ll find lots of orange, you’ll find lots of Toros team gear, and you’ll find the stands quite packed (they are averaging just over 6,000 for weekend games this season) for every game. Access 3 As mentioned, it does take a little bit of work to get to Edinburg and HEB Park. But, once you’re there, the stadium is located off one of the main highways (Interstate 69) and two of the city’s main thoroughfares (Freddy Gonzales Drive and Raul Longoria Road, respectively). Since the stadium just opened, there is not much in the way of signage leading the way there; that is anticipated to change in the not too distant future though. Also, there is just the main entrance to the parking lot, and that has the potential to bottleneck, especially close to game time, so plan accordingly. However, on the bright side, parking is ample and free. Return on Investment 3 You can get quite a bargain at HEB Park in terms of ticket prices if you go at certain times. Normally, ticket prices for Toros games range from the low of $9 per ticket to the high of $40. On certain nights, however, general admission tickets can be had for $5 as part of the stadium’s “Four Corners” option – make sure to check the calendar for when these are available. Concessions costs are right in step with other minor league facilities; you can expect to pay around $5-$10 per person for your trip to the snack bar depending on what you get. Again, as parking is free, you can expect a real bargain at HEB Park for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros games. Extras 3 HEB Park has all the bells and whistles that most “new” stadiums have. One interesting feature is the luxury suites/boxes; instead of being high up in the stands, they are slightly raised at pitch level. Fans in the boxes are right on top of the on-field action. Additional “extras” include the club’s mascot, a currently unnamed anthropomorphic bull, and the team’s cheerleaders, the Toros girls. You can expect to see both wandering the concourses and stands throughout the games, and they are easily accessible for photo opportunities. There is also a very well-stocked team store near the main stadium entrance on the east concourse. Final Thoughts I was not sure what to expect in my trip to this part of Texas to see minor league soccer. I have to say I came away extremely impressed with both. Flat out, HEB Park is beautiful, and I feel it is safe to say that it has little to no rival in the world of minor league soccer, and it probably could rival many major league facilities. It is truly the crown jewel of the United Soccer League. If you are in the Rio Grande Valley, HEB Park is a must visit. I believe you will be as captivated by the place as I was. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex 2801 NE 50th St Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Women’s College World Series website OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 7,300 NCAA Women’s College World Series OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is a 7,300-seat multi-purpose stadium in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The stadium was renamed in 2017, when the Amateur Softball Association rebranded to USA Softball. Formerly known as ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, the venue is the centerpiece of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, which includes the USA Hall of Fame and Museum. The stadium opened in 1987 and had extensive renovations from September 2013 through 2015. The facility hosts various softball tournaments throughout the year, but none more popular than the NCAA College World Series. The Women’s College World Series (WCWS) consists of the final 8 women’s college softball teams, advancing from a field of 32 teams, around the country. The NCAA WCWS began in 1982, when the UCLA Bruins defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 2-0 in 8 innings. The series was first played along with the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska from 1982 until 1987, and then moved to Sunnyvale, California from 1988-1989. Oklahoma City has hosted the event every year since 1990, except in 1996 when Columbus, Georgia, in preparation to host Olympic softball in Atlanta, was awarded the NCAA Women’s College World Series. OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is also the site for the World Cup of Softball and the Big 12 softball conference championship. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage selections here may not compete with the big league ballparks, but there are plenty of food options around the stadium. There are two permanent concessions buildings, one on each side of the diamond, on the upper concourse. All the ballpark favorites are available – hot dogs, chili cheese, corn dog bites, Frito chili pie, nachos, pretzels, fries, burgers, BBQ sandwiches, chicken tenders, and a walking taco. These items might not sound exciting, but the prices ranging between $3 and $6 can make your wallet smile. The beverages are Coke products with prices ranging from $3 for the small to $6 for the souvenir cup. Powerade is only $3, while water is $2, and there is also a water station available to fill those empty bottles. The stadium does serve alcohol, however, everyone that wishes to buy alcohol must first get a wrist band. The alcohol selections are simple – either Coors Lite or Miller Lite for $5 (16oz), or Modelo, Corona Premier, or Mike’s Hard (24oz) for $7. There are also food trucks parked behind the outfield bleachers for fans, which keeps you from having to walk all around the stadium for food if your seats are back there. Both sides of the diamond have food trucks as well, with Dippin’ Dots, sno cones, and funnel cake offered. Note that there are no outside food or drinks allowed inside OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Atmosphere 5 The Women’s College World Series is the final portion of the NCAA Division I Softball Championship for college softball in the United States. The tournament format consists of two four-team double-elimination brackets. The winners of each bracket then compete in a best-of-three series to determine the Division I WCWS National Champion. The Women’s College World Series surpasses itself on a yearly basis with record crowds. The games are played in sessions with two games per session, except for the best-of-three series and the if-necessary session. OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex has a dirt infield and a grass outfield surface, with dimension of 200ft along the lines, and 220ft to center field, with the seating behind each dugout reserved for the participating teams. The atmosphere at WCWS begins as soon as the teams arrive in Oklahoma City. The day before the tournament begins, fans can spend the day at the facility at Open Practice Day, which is free to the public. During the day all teams will showcase the abilities and talents that helped them reach the final 8. There will be autograph sessions by USA Softball players during the day as well. The next day begins with the Women’s College World Series Fan Fest. The fan fest is located outside the stadium, and is situated at the drop off/pick up point for fans using the parking shuttles. The WCWS Fan Fest is a FREE fan fest for fans of all ages! Take part in a variety of activities, including exclusive autograph sessions from ESPN talent such as Beth Mowins, Jessica Mendoza, and Michelle Smith, or enjoy sport activations and product displays, championship merchandise and more! Be at the epicenter of softball fun with events for the entire family. But as much fun as Fan Fest provides, the games themselves is where the WCWS becomes an amazing experience. Every inning seems to get exciting as the teams compete. There is in-stadium entertainment throughout, with competitions like minor league baseball games thrown in. In addition, the USA Softball team players in the crowd get acknowledged during games and interact with fans. There is also plenty of history in the form of WCWS quizzes shown on the video board, so fans can enjoy re-living past WCWS games. The fans here just simply love softball, and the energy that is created is one of the best atmospheres in sports. Neighborhood 4 The College World Series has found a permanent home in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. The district is in the northeast Oklahoma City between the crossroads of Interstates 35 and 44. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity in terms of restaurants (you can only find eateries like Subway or Sonic) or hotels, however, there are plenty of tourist attractions around the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. The complex is across the road from the Oklahoma State Firefighters Museum, and just a short walk from the Oklahoma City Zoo, Science Museum Oklahoma, and Remington Park and Casino. In addition, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Cinemark Tinseltown Movie theater are just up the road near Interstate 44. And for the avid golfer, there is the Lincoln Park Golf Course, which has two impressive championship courses. The heart of downtown Oklahoma City is 7 miles away, which is a short 15-minute drive from the USA Hall of Fame Complex. Bricktown has numerous restaurants and lodging for softball fans, as well as Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark , the center of Bricktown and home to the Oklahoma City Dodgers Triple AAA team, who are affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers . The restaurants are along Bricktown’s canal (like San Antonio’s Riverwalk) – Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, local country singer Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Fuzzy Taco Shop, Melting Pot, and Chelinos Mexican all are great places to visit while in Oklahoma City. Also, the Bricktown Brewery and TapWerks Ale House and Café are great spots to enjoy some local made brews. Hampton Inn & Suites, Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown, or the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center are a few of the many choices for lodging in Oklahoma City. See this link for a list of USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Hotel Partners. There is so much to do around Oklahoma City that you won’t see everything in one weekend visit. But while there are a lot of tourist attractions around the complex, however, there isn’t one more popular or more of a must visit than Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This museum is the heart and soul for all Americans, and will be a visit that you’ll never forget. Fans 5 There are 8 participants in the Women’s College World Series. The fans from those 8 participants travel from all over the country to watch their team, family, friends, and daughters play softball, and the games are quickly becoming sell-outs, especially when the local Oklahoma Sooners are one of the participants. Even without the Sooners, there is a dedicated softball fan base that renews season tickets to the Women’s College World Series. A couple of statements from fans: “I don’t have a horse in the race, but I love the way these girls play the game.” and “This is my 12th consecutive year that I have these seats, and I can’t think of any place better.” The fans are serious, loud, supportive, and truly love being at the event. However, the most impressive thing that I noticed was the genuine appreciation for all the teams and players. No matter what team the fans are rooting for, if a player makes a tough play they are cheered because fans appreciate it. Access 4 OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex is seven miles northeast of downtown Oklahoma City, and 0.1 miles from I-35 off exit 132A (NE 50th Street). The venue will be on your right as you exit, and there is parking on the Hall of Fame grounds for $20, but those passes will sell out, so you can also park across the street and in grass lots near the stadium for a fee. However, the best option is free parking, which is located at Remington Park Racing and Casino about a 1/4-mile from the stadium. A free shuttle bus will pick up at Remington Park on Eastern and Grand Boulevard, and will take fans to and from the stadium. The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes each day, and will run through the last game after all fans have been dropped off. The entrance gates are behind home plate, and the flow into the stadium is quick despite possible lines. There are two concourses – the main concourse is above the seating area, as the stadium sits in a bowl, and fans walk an incline up to the gates. Access to the outfield area and bleachers is a little congested, as fans must navigate over a step-bridge from either side of the outfield. The reserved seating has back supports, while the outfield bleachers do not, and this is a difference maker when spending 8 hours at the facility. The main seating area has bathrooms while the outfield bleachers have port-a-potties available for use. The stadium does provide ADA accessible seats, and there is public transportation throughout Oklahoma City on METRO transit. Overall, access to the stadium, parking, entry, and sitting are quite easy for fans. Return on Investment 5 The Women’s College World Series has a solid annual ticket fan base. These fans buy All-session tickets and are offered renewal to their seats each year – only after the renewal deposit process is complete are tickets are made available to the public. GP tickets, which are subject to availability, begin in December. Ticket prices are $25 per session (2-games) except the if-necessary session, which costs $20. Children younger than two years of age do not need a ticket provided they can sit on the lap of a ticketed adult. If the series sells out, $25 standing room only tickets are available on game day at the box office (there is no advance selling of SRO tickets). However, WCWS reserved seats are sold by third-party resellers. The free parking, low cost concessions, top-level softball competition, and a fun-filled atmosphere ranks this event as a must visit for any sports fan. Extras 4 The amazing overall atmosphere that USA Softball promotes in the volunteers, event staff, access to the teams, and the teams themselves is great to see. The Women’s College World Series is well-organized and promotes everything that is good in the sport of softball. The return on investment, atmosphere, and the quality of the participants creates a tournament that is truly one of the best trips to visit in the country for a sports fan. Final Thoughts There is a lot to see in the Oklahoma City area, however, the atmosphere during the Women’s College World Series is incredible. The atmosphere, fans, and great softball are so mesmerizing that a day trip will turn into a weekend trip because the place will just grab hold of you. The success of the WCWS in Oklahoma continues to grow in numbers, so much that there are plans to continue upgrading the fan experience at OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex – in 2020, a renovation plan to add an upper deck to the stadium is proof the game of softball is growing, and that Oklahoma City is the capital of the softball world.

Photos by Sean MacDonald Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Meiji Jingu Stadium Kasumigaoka-cho 13 Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0013 Japan Tokyo Yakult Swallows website Meiji Jingu Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 37,933 The Meiji Jingu Shrine (to Baseball) Meiji Jingu Stadium is the second oldest of the Japanese ballparks, having been built in 1926, just two years after Koshien. It’s gone through several renovations since then but is still one of the best stadium experiences you can have in Japan.It is located in the Aoyama district of Central Tokyo and is relatively close to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the organization that actually owns the stadium. The home team is the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, who play in the Central League, and are owned by Yakult, a company most famous for their yogurt-like drinks. Jingu also hosts countless college and high school games during the year and is one of the most widely-recognized ballparks in the country. Food & Beverage 3 There are a number of small concessions on the very narrow concourse, offering typical Japanese snacks but nothing out of the ordinary. I would recommend the spicy chicken stick at 200 yen, and if you want to try something slightly offbeat, go for the takoyaki, which are small bits of octopus stuffed in batter and then fried. If you are really hungry, try a bento box, which are good value at between 600-850 yen. Drinks can be bought in your seat from one of the dozens of vendors who are carting kegs of beer on their back or on a tray in front. Rather than try the ballpark food though, most fans pick up their eats on the way to the stadium. As you walk up the main street from Gaienmae subway station, you will be presented with several small tables selling sandwiches, noodles, gyoza, and other snacks. Beer is also much cheaper here, but you must pour it into a cup when you enter the stadium (although they don’t actually check your belongings). I highly recommend this option as you get more variety at a better price. The only problem is that it can get quite crowded and you might have difficulty backtracking as the masses walk toward the stadium. If you are looking for some post-game fun, stop in at the Hub Pub just three minutes away, again on this street. It’s one of several branches of a faux-English establishment that serves drinks and pub food at reasonable prices. If you want to enjoy a more traditional Japanese experience, try Toan right next door. It’s an izakaya serving tofu and chicken dishes and is really quite good. However, it is small and fills up quickly, so you might want to make a dinner reservation as you walk to a weekend afternoon game. Atmosphere 4 Jingu is often quiet, particularly during night games which draw fewer fans, but I saw a Saturday afternoon affair with nearly 27,000 filling the ballpark. It was a perfect afternoon for baseball, hot but not humid, the outfield stands filled with cheering supporters, colorful beer vendors parading up and down the aisles, the bright green artificial turf, truly a quintessential Japanese baseball experience. Unfortunately, though, there was one element that the Swallows recently introduced that I found highly bothersome: the stadium DJ. This guy is a glorified PA announcer that spends his time shouting into a mike from 30 minutes before the game right to the end, making every inning break a cacophonic catastrophe. His presence destroys the atmosphere for me, but as he only exists for Swallows games, I won’t dock more than a point. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is part of a larger sports complex that includes National Stadium, a soccer and track facility that hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, a couple of gymnasiums, and even a smaller baseball field that doubles as a golf range. It is a very central location, but the large number of other venues make it somewhat weak as a true neighborhood. There are restaurants and shops along Aoyama-dori, just south of the ballpark, but little worth noting from a tourist point of view, at least in the immediate vicinity. Once you get more than a mile away though, you can see the bright lights of Shibuya, or the nightclubs of Roppongi, or the two faces of Shinjuku, all within a short walk or subway ride. Fans 5 Yakult fans are among the best, and have the most famous celebration in the country. Whenever the Swallows score, the fans (not just those in the outfield, but almost everybody on the first base side) curse the opponents, break out tiny plastic umbrellas and sing “Tokyo Ondo,” a famous traditional tune. It is a great sight and sound and worth checking out on YouTube. Nothing is more disappointing than visiting Jingu and seeing the Swallows shutout. The game I saw had loud cheering in left field too, with the visiting Nippon Ham Fighter fans providing the noise during the top half of each inning. I also noticed that fans tended to stay seated here during the action, something that I appreciate. Overall, a great fan experience. Access 3 The closest station to Jingu is Gaienmae on the Ginza line, the oldest subway in Tokyo. From here, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the stadium, with the sidewalk quite narrow in some places. This is where you would buy your food or stop at the pub as mentioned above. You’ll also walk by the rugby ground. After the game, the crowd spills out onto the street as you return to the station. The Ginza line train can be quite crowded at this time, so I prefer to walk a few extra blocks to Aoyama Itchome station, which has some other lines that are far less busy. There are several other stations within walking distance but the Gaienmae approach is the best as that is where you can stock up on food and beer. Once inside the stadium, you will find the only concourse to be very narrow. Hey, the place is 85 years old, so no complaining! Even with the tight quarters, I never have had trouble navigating, because most fans spend the game in their seats, since they bring their food in with them. You will need to enter by the gate printed on your ticket, but once inside, you can roam about the seating bowl as long as you haven’t found yourself in the unreserved seats. Those areas are separate and you can’t move back and forth. The facilities here are very limited, and I noticed lines for both men and women throughout the game. If you need to take a break, try to beat the post-inning rush. Return on Investment 4 Tickets at Tokyo Yakult Swallows games are reasonably priced, with the most expensive only 4,500 yen ($56). The single seating bowl is quite flat for the first 13 rows, then slightly steeper for the next 12 rows, before the final 20 rows rise quite quickly. There is a walkway in front of row 14, and the main concourse is in front of row 26, so avoid those rows if you hate having people walking in front of you during the game. I recommend the 2,600 yen B seats that are in the top few rows – the reason being that there is a fence that stretches the whole way down the line, right to the foul pole. Unlike protective netting, this fence really harms the sightlines and is the worst thing about Jingu. There are big bars between each section of fence that can destroy your pictures if you are unlucky enough to have a seat there. Only in the top 6 rows or so can you have an unobstructed view of the action. As you move down the line, the seats don’t face home so you will be craning your neck to watch the action. The low seats beyond the bases are some of the worst in Japan so try to avoid those. The seats are numbered from 0 directly behind the plate and increase in both directions down the lines. I was in seat 154 well down the first base line so you can use that as a guide. For those who wish to sit with the cheering sections, the outfield is a separate area and the cheapest place to sit. Sections A to L comprise the right field side, while M to X takes up left field. There is also one covered section which is called the second floor. On a hot summer’s day, this is the only reprieve you will have from the sun, and it fills up quickly. I enjoy the view from here as the field stretches out beneath you and the city beckons beyond. What I really like at Jingu is that you are afforded the freedom to move around in the main bowl. I never had anybody check my ticket and when it got too hot in my assigned seat, I zoomed over to the cooler side of the ballpark and sat in an open seat without receiving a second glance. Very non-Japanese and makes up for all the poor seating options and hence the ROI is a healthy 4 out of 5. Extras 4 Being such an old stadium, there isn’t much else here besides the ballpark. The scoreboard used to have the batting average and home runs for each player in the lineup but this has been replaced by advertising, which really detracts from its appearance. The relatively new video screen is nice, but nothing extraordinary. On the indoor concourse directly behind home plate, you’ll find a plaque commemorating the stadium along with some signed plaques from an all-star game in 1997. This comes with a roster with pictures of all the players, including a baby-faced Ichiro Suzuki and is worth looking for. The clubhouse is outside the ballpark so the Swallows players have to walk, in uniform, past hordes of fans to get into the stadium. This gives you a chance to take some good shots if you are so inclined, but the fans are respectful and autographs are not sought out here. The actual structure is similar to a Roman coliseum on the outside, with arched entryways that make for a compelling first impression. Sadly, the gates are now strewn with plastic fencing and garish signs that keep fans in order while entering, but ruin the effect of the original architecture. The worst thing about Jingu is the aforementioned fence that stretches from home plate all the way down to the foul pole. It’s ugly and pointless. At the game I attended, a young man sitting in the 10th row was dinged by a line drive which he probably couldn’t see in time due to the fence. Even worse, it took the game staff a while to check on him (he had to leave the game with a bruise). Despite all this negativity, Jingu will always have a special place in my heart, as it was here that I saw the Swallows win the Japanese championship in my first summer in the country, back in 1997. Final Thoughts Meiji Jingu Stadium is a must-see for any baseball fan visiting Tokyo. When the weather is nice and the crowd is hopping, a better baseball experience is difficult to find. And even if it’s not raining, don’t forget to bring your umbrella.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Q2 Stadium 10414 McKalla Place Austin, TX 78758 Austin FC website Q2 Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 20,738 Q2 Stadium – Austin FC In 2018, after the relocation of Columbus Crew SC to Austin proved unsuccessful, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced they would award an expansion franchise to the state capitol of Texas in time for the 2021 season. Construction began on the stadium, located in the North Burnet area of the city, and was completed in time to host Austin FC’s inaugural season. The home opener took place in June of 2021, and both the team and their home have proven to be an immediate hit with the fans in Austin, routinely reaching capacity for their home games. Q2 Stadium was designed to be sleek, modern, and inclusive, as well as to embody the spirit of Austin and its inhabitants – that mission was accomplished. Food & Beverage 5 Great thought and care was put into the design of Q2 Stadium, and this was especially true for its concessions. There are numerous concessions stands on the main concourse, including two chain restaurants with Austin roots in Double Dave’s Pizzaworks and Pluckers Wing Bar . While you can’t go wrong with a slice of pizza or an order of wings while you take in a match at Q2, these are hardly your only options – far from it in, in fact. Two of the main food groups that Texas is known for – tacos and barbecue – are well represented at Q2 Stadium. Texas chain Tacodeli has a large stand near the northwest gate, but you can also look for One Taco and Casa Chapala, as well. For your nachos fix, Hot & Loaded Nachos and Queso Fountain have you covered, pun intended. For ‘cue, Slovacek’s, 512 BBQ, and Valentina’s BBQ have smoked meat offerings for you. In keeping with their mission of inclusion, Austin FC has numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free concessions options at most stands, including the aforementioned taco stands. Q2 Stadium also has a Beer Hall and numerous bars and beer stands (look out for local favorite Easy Tiger ’s carts with their massive soft pretzels). Also, proving they’re not only about adult beverages but have tried to be as inclusive as possible, Yeti has a free hydration station for fans needing a water break on those hot Austin nights. In terms of cost, this is an MLS event. In other words, big-time sports in a big-time city, so you can expect to spend applicable prices. As an example, a standard burger and fries combo that can be found at the Oak Hill Grill will run you $15. However, in terms of the quality of food you’ll get at Q2 Stadium, you’re getting what you’re paying for. Also, bear in mind that the stadium is currently a cashless facility, so that will need to be taken into consideration when you go to pay. Atmosphere 5 I’ve been to quite a few professional soccer matches over the years; granted, nothing overseas or in Latin America, but this was my third MLS event and honestly Q2 Stadium far exceeded any of my previous stops by leaps and bounds. Since it is still early in its infancy, having opened only in early 2021, it still retains all of its newness and uniqueness. However, and again this is going to be a running theme, great care was put into the design of the stadium, from ensuring accessibility to incorporating the team’s color (green…it is literally everywhere and can be seen on everything) and imagery (the team’s symbol is the live oak tree) and all of that adds to the overall atmosphere at Q2 Stadium. For example, whenever Austin FC scores a goal, the lights in the stadium all glow a magnificent emerald green color, which is truly something to see. There are three premium clubs, the Captain Morgan Club, Lexus Club, and Q2 Field Club open to attendees (with the proper tickets and/or credentials); some of the clubs stay open up to an hour after Austin FC matches. Outside the stadium, there are also two main areas for live events – H-E-B Plaza and Live Oak Park; these tend to be areas for live music and fan gatherings prior to and after Austin FC matches. Inside Q2 Stadium there are also plenty of options for fans to load up on Austin FC merch. There are four main shops, including the massive Verde Store (which can also be shopped online ), as well as numerous pop-up kiosks. It’s not hard to see why so many fans are kitted out on in green and black at Austin FC games when the team is still so new. Neighborhood 4 Austin is a fantastic city, period. It is great to visit for a day, for a weekend, or for a week. No matter what your age or your interests, you’re going to find plenty to do to keep you occupied both before and after Austin FC games. Q2 Stadium itself is in north Austin in an industrial area of the city. However, the venue is not far from the downtown/capitol/university area of the city, which is the tourism and entertainment hub of Austin. If you are looking for culture, museums such as the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum , which tells the complete story of the history of Texas from prehistoric times to today, to the LBJ Presidential Library , which tells the story of native Texan and our nation’s 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson, are found in downtown Austin. If the outdoors are more your speed, Lady Bird Lake should satisfy you. This 416-acre reservoir of the Colorado River greets visitors entering Austin on Interstate 35, and is a beloved natural landmark for residents. It offers hiking and biking trails (there are bike rentals offered throughout the area), while kayaking, paddle boarding, and rowing are also allowed. For dining and hotel options, this area of the city is going to be your best bet when attending games at Q2 Stadium, but there are also options in the area for before/after the game. For dining, CAVA is a Mediterranean restaurant that allows you to completely customize your order (either bowls, salads, or pitas) and create something unique with fresh and authentic ingredients. For a more upscale, sit-down affair, Andiamo Ristorante might be what you’re looking for. Ravioli ai funghi , penne con salmone , and cacciucco are just some of the fare offered. If you’re looking to stay in the area, two mid-priced hotels are within a short distance of the stadium, if you would prefer to stay close by on match night: the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Austin Northwest/The Domain Area and Hilton Garden Inn Austin North-Near the Domain . Fans 5 Like most soccer clubs and football teams, even though they are still in their earliest of days, Austin FC has cultivated a die-hard collection of supporter groups. The Austin Anthem, Los Verdes, the Oak Army, the Burnt Orange Brigade, and more all occupy the south end of the stadium. All decked out in scarves and kits in green and black, they can be seen – or heard, more accurately – banging drums and chanting and cheering from the opening seconds to the final ones. The team is currently enjoying a regular string of sell-outs in their new stadium, which is to be expected. This wave of early goodwill will have to be built upon with success over time, but for now, Austin FC is the proverbial only game in town outside of the University of Texas, and the fans are showing their support in full force. Access 3 For now, if there is one area where Q2 Stadium still has some room for improvements, it is in terms of access. As mentioned, the stadium is in the northern area of the city; this puts it 17 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is not bad at all. However, as you make your way toward the stadium, there really is only one thoroughfare to drive down on Burnet Road, and this tends to cause some traffic issues. If you are driving to games, there are multiple parking lots to park at; fans are encouraged to pre-purchase their parking passes for games, however. CapMetro, the city’s public transportation system, does have a bus line that drops off and picks up near the stadium, and by the start of the 2022 season there is a plan in place to have a light rail light stop at Q2 Stadium. Offsite parking can be had, as well, depending on how willing fans are to walk, for as little as $15-$20. Ridesharing is also encouraged. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Austin FC matches, depending on the day, start at around $45 per person. For a brand-new team playing in a brand-new stadium, this seems right on the metaphorical money in terms of cost. Plus, the team has already proven such a hit with the local community that they are already waitlisting people for season tickets. Parking, like everything else at Q2 Stadium, is cashless and will run you between $25 and $55 depending on the lot you choose to park at onsite. With concessions running what they are, Austin FC games could run a pretty hefty tab, especially if you’re bringing the family. I will say the experience is pretty incredible, but you will need to be prepared to spend at Q2 Stadium. Extras 2 In terms of extras, unlike many other teams, Austin FC has not yet gone the route of creating add-ons to attract fans, especially younger ones. For example there isn’t yet a kids club or costumed mascot, and since they are a brand-new franchise, there is nothing yet in terms of any kind of Hall of Fame or anything to honor the players and teams of the past. Right now, Q2 Stadium is all about the experience itself. There are a few places set up to take photo ops or selfies (make sure to look for the Austin FC kit wearing grizzly bear near the south entrance) that are always popular with fans. The rest of the traditional extras might come in time, but for now, enjoy the experience. Final Thoughts So as I’ve said, I’ve been to quite a few soccer matches over the years, but I’ve never been to any that matched the level of excitement that I witnessed at Q2 Stadium. Austin FC has built a great fan base, so far. It was truly an unexpected experience for me and something I can only compare to as akin to a big-time college football atmosphere. If you’re a sports fan, this is one you should definitely add to your sports bucket list. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium 2003 S Miller St Shelbyville, IN 46176 Shelbyville High School website William L. Garrett Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 5,832 A Gym That’s Worthy of Its Name To talk about Shelbyville High School basketball, one must talk about William Garrett for whom the gymnasium has bared his name since 1974. Garrett lead the Golden Bears to the school’s only state championship in 1947 while also being named Mr. Basketball. The 6′ 2″ center would become the first African-American in the Big Ten when he enrolled at Indiana University in Bloomington in the fall of that year. He would lead the Hoosiers in both rebounding and scoring and had a 19-3 record during his senior year in 1951. His teammates would name him MVP. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education that spring, Garrett was drafted in the second round by the Boston Celtics; however, he was drafted into the U.S. Army a few months later. After two years of service, he found out that he had been cut by the Celtics and embarked on a three-year career with the Harlem Globetrotters. After he retired from basketball, he took over coaching duties with the Crispus Attucks High School basketball team in 1957 and lead the Tigers to the 1959 state championship. He would remain as coach for 10 years before accepting the position of assistant dean at IUPUI in Indianapolis. Garrett would die suddenly of a heart attack at the young age of 45 in 1974 and when the school board decided to honor him by renaming its basketball gym, the decision was unanimous. The Shelbyville High School Golden Bears would now play at the William L. Garrett Memorial Gymnasium. The gym opened on December 15, 1967, with a victory over the Richmond Red Devils and on two occasions in 1968 hosted the Indiana Pacers during their first season in the American Basketball Association. The Pacers played several games at high school gyms that first season to promote its brand to the state. The second contest was an exhibition game. Food & Beverage 3 Two concession stands are offering the usual items you would find at most Indiana high school gyms. The prices are somewhat less expensive with most items under $2. Popcorn, candy, chips, and cookies (3) are all one dollar and hot dogs, pizza, breadsticks with cheese, and nachos are two dollars. If you are just looking for a snack while you watch the game, this is your type of food. However, if you are looking for something with more substance, you might want to grab something before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The first thing that provides the wow factor would be the domed ceiling of the roof that dominates all aspects of the court. It stands out much more dramatically than the similarly designed Case Arena in Frankfort. The golden hues of the walls, ceilings, and lighting provide a regal flair to the proceedings. The 5,832-rounded gym is the 17th largest high school venue for hoops in the state offering bleacher-style seating split into two sections. The top rows are the dark brown, hardwood variety, while the bottom bleacher seats are more modern and pull-out. There are no obstructed views and there are plenty of areas to enjoy the game with friends and family. The seating is broken into two sections with permanent wooden seats on top and pull-out modern seating on the floor. Two large signs that say Welcome to Bear Country dominate one side of the gym, while the other side features banners, the most prominent being the 1947 State Championship. The lobby houses the concession stand along with a trophy case that highlights the school’s history including more paraphernalia from that championship-winning team some 70 years ago. Neighborhood 3 Shelbyville is a small town right off of I-74 and within a 30-minute drive to Indianapolis. The town features a square and a few local businesses to visit for food before or after the game including the impressive Riverfront Taproom, a family restaurant that brews its own beer and houses varieties from 450 North Brewing in nearby Columbus, Indiana. There are 32 taps and the food offerings include wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and pasta dishes. Grandma’s Pancake House serves breakfast all day long; the generous portions include omelets and french toast along with sandwiches and salads. The Indiana Live Casino is just a few miles off of I-74 to provide entertainment and fine dining. Fans 3 The Bears fans are among a great group of Hoosier basketball enthusiasts who enjoy a good game and cheer their side to victory. There are games against rivals that bring out a larger fan base but all support the program through and through. Access 3 The design of the fieldhouse makes it quite easy to get around to any first-time visitor. Some staircases take fans to the upper sections and all bathrooms, concessions, and exits are marked throughout the building. The facility is also easy to arrive at off of I-74, located a few miles south of the square and adjacent to the high school. Return on Investment 3 The gym is one of the easiest and most accessible facilities in the state due to its location near Indianapolis and its proximity to the interstate exit. Therefore, making a trip for a game is quite an enjoyable experience. This gym is easy on the eyes and beautiful to look around as you watch top-level basketball in the state of Indiana. The price of tickets is only $5 for adults and the concession prices are low for other high school facilities. Extras 3 The gym gets a star for the name after William Garrett, a former player who not only excelled on the court but in life. His legacy will always be remembered here in Shelbyville. A second star for the dome roof and the arching roof provides a beautiful backdrop to the game of basketball. The school’s colors black and gold shine brightly throughout the building. A final star is for the colors black and gold which provide beautiful colors and aesthetics inside the gym. Final Thoughts William Garrett gymnasium is among one of the nicer gyms in the state of Indiana. worthy of a game or two throughout the cold, winter months here in Indiana.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 CaroMont Health Park South Hill Street and West Franklin Boulevard Gastonia, NC 28016 Gastonia Honey Hunters website CaroMont Health Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 5,000 Honey Hunters Look to the Future with Its Ballpark If you want to get a glimpse of what the future of ballpark construction looks like, then look no further than Gastonia, North Carolina. The new home of the Gastonia Honey Hunters of the Atlantic League has a few unique features to offer the world of professional baseball. CaroMont Health Park offers seating for 5,000 people and features seating of five rows deep from the foul line to foul line, along with party decks, cabana seats, stool seating around the outfield perimeter, and a covered beer deck. The field is synthetic and designed for much more than baseball games. The stadium is the centerpiece of the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment (FUSE) District, designed to promote economic development between downtown Gastonia and Loray Village. The multi-purpose facility will house other sports, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers the standard grub of hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and burgers, but there are also a few more treats worth mentioning. At the main concession stand behind home plate, options include the Philly cheesesteak, chicken and waffle, and Korean pork belly sliders. The choices are different, but worth trying if adventurous. Fans can also order whole or quarter pizzas if they want something a little more familiar. The Carolina BBQ kiosk has a pleasant aroma to attract customers near the third baseline. Pulled pork, and brisket sliders, pulled pork nachos, white cheddar mac and cheese, and triple-baked beans with burnt ends are among the main dishes and sides. There is also a kiosk that hand dips pickles into the batter for fresh, never frozen, fried pickles. The beer options include macro and microbrewery options. The local options include Sycamore, Appalachian Mountain, Olde Mecklenburg, Sugar Creek, and Catawba Brewing Companies. Domestic and premium 16-ounce beers are $6 to $7, while craft beers are a little more in price. The ballpark does not sell Coke or Pepsi products; instead, fans can quench their thirst with RC Cola, Sun Drop, Cherry Lemon Sundrop Diet Rite, 7Up, or Cheerwine. I would grab one since you are in the Carolinas. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is designed to be spacious and features a 360-degree concourse that provides an area of social gathering and baseball watching by fans of all ages. It does not follow the regular blueprint of other minor league venues and offers a few designated areas at various points. However, there appears to be the seating of some kind at every interval. There are only five rows of grandstand seating that stretch from foul pole to foul pole. The views from behind the backstop might be among the closest in professional baseball. Above this area on the concourse are tabletop seats and chairs that provide more ample room for the customer. There is a level of comfort in mind for visitors at the ballpark that is almost unmatched anywhere else. The stadium features six covered cabanas on the third-base side, a covered pavilion with rocking chairs down the left-field foul line, and the Gas House Bar & Grill in center field. This area also houses a kids’ play area and batting cages – players before the game and for fans during the game. Adding to the charm is a train track just outside the stadium where it’s possible to see a train pass by in the evening. A few other touches to add distinction to the venue are the colors black, tan, and yellow. The honeycomb design and pattern are visible on certain parts of the building. There is inspirational signage throughout the stadium by Ransom Hunter. There are two team stores, one at street level next to the box office, with tons of items to choose from at the game. The video scoreboard is 24 feet by 63 feet high. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around the ballpark is developing. Several new restaurants and a brewery are being constructed within walking distance of the stadium. In the meantime, fans can drive about a mile to R.O.’s Bar-B-Que for their chopped pork sandwiches covered with their unique slaw. The slaw is creamy and is used as a dip or sauce by many locals. It’s a small place but has been in business since 1946. Another local barbecue restaurant is Ray’s Country Smokehouse that’s not too far from the ballpark. Cavendish Brewing is a funky joint that has several tasty beers and old, outdated furniture to lighten up the vibe. Jia Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar is an interesting place for Chinese, Asian, Thai, Cajun, and Mexican fusion. Tavern 24 is an ideal spot for pub food and a drink. Depending on the time during the summer, there might be an American Legion game taking place at Sims Legion Park . The ballpark is used for local high school and collegiate games. You can also drive 30 miles to check out a Charlotte Knights game at Trust Field. Gastonia does have a collection of museums worth visiting during your visit. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, the American Military Museum, and the African-American Museum of History and Culture. Fans 2 The Honey Hunters are fifth in the league in attendance with an average of 2,107 fans as of this writing. That is slightly below the league average and somewhat surprising. The ballpark is brand new, modern, and comfortable. Our visit was at a make-up game during the day, but the local fan base might just be sleeping on what is a very stylish new facility for baseball and much more. Access 5 The ballpark has a lot of accessible points of entry for visitors. It is also accessible within a 10-minute walk from over 2,700 parking spots and mass transit. The 360-degree concourse provides vantage points to the game for fans, and signage is clear and visible. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket to a game is a bargain; General Admission tickets cost $7. Box seat pricing ranges from $9 to $13, and home plate seats are $15. The prices are comparable to nearby Truist Point Ballpark in High Point. Concession prices are on par with other clubs in the area, and concession items ranging from $20 for a t-shirt to $35 for a ball cap. Team caps come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Extras 3 The ballpark earns a point for having a design that is not quite like any other in professional baseball. There are only five rows of seating that provide fans some of the closest views in baseball. A second point is awarded for the ballpark being a catalyst for the FUSE District that hopes to promote economic development in Gastonia. A third point is for the name that honors Random Hunter, who is believed to be the first freed slave in Gaston County who owned land in the late 19th century. Final Thoughts I enjoyed a lot about this ballpark and what it represents to the community of Gastonia. The concept of redeveloping the neighborhood with a baseball stadium and other industries is not new. Its design is sharp, and the organization’s objective is clearly established throughout the building. Perhaps it is too soon to judge CaroMont Health Park, and hopefully, someone from this website will be back in a few years to judge it on future merits. Perhaps that will be me because I would love to see its future.

Photos by Matt Finnigan and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gesa Stadium 6200 Burden Blvd Pasco, WA 99301 Tri-City Dust Devils website Gesa Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 3,654 Three is the Magic Number The Tri-Cities region of Washington has, predictably, three cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland) situated along three rivers (the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia) and one professional baseball team, the Tri-City Dust Devils (High A – LAA). In 2021, the Dust Devils played their first season as an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim , after previously serving as a Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres (2015-2020) and the Colorado Rockies (2001-2014). The Dust Devils call the 3,654-seat Gesa Stadium home. Opened in 1995, Gesa Stadium does not boast any of the features (like the Frisco RoughRiders’ lazy river) that some newer stadiums have. What makes Gesa Stadium different is not obvious until entering the stadium. First, the stadium’s unusual geographic orientation gives fans beautiful views. Gesa Stadium’s home plate faces due south to provide views of Horse Heaven Hills, craggy remnants of the Ice Age along the Columbia River. A south-facing home plate is a rarity, however. Rule 2.01 of the Major League Baseball rule book recommends that stadiums orient home plate such that batters face east-northeast. Second, the stadium’s orientation meant that the sun would turn Gesa Stadium into a convection oven, blinding and baking spectators seated in the stands along the third baseline. In 2007, therefore, the team built a 137-foot-tall sunshade behind the stands along the first baseline to block the setting sun and enable fans in all parts of the stadium to enjoy the game by lowering temperatures in the stadium by up to 20 degrees. This sunshade , which blunts the sun’s glare and heat, is unique to Gesa Stadium and a creative solution to enable fans to enjoy baseball in southeastern Washington. Food & Beverage 3 Gesa Stadium’s primary concession stand, 1st Base Concessions, features food and drink concessions that fans expect to see at a ballpark, but not much else: hot dogs ($5.50), nachos ($4.50), pretzels ($4.50), peanuts ($4.50), and popcorn ($4.50). Coca-Cola products sell for $4.50 for a 32-ounce soda and $3.50 for a 21-ounce soda, while bottles of Powerade ($4.50) and water ($4.50) are also available. The Fry Shack, along the third baseline, has a larger menu. There, fans can dine on chicken strips with fries ($8), a crispy chicken sandwich with fries ($8), corn dog ($4.50), garlic fries ($4.50), and tater tots ($4). The quality of Gesa Stadium’s food may need improvement. On the night of this review, an order of loaded tater tots ($5) was topped with cold nacho cheese. Beer drinkers will not be disappointed in Gesa Stadium’s options. At the Home Plate Beer stand, a 20-ounce beer costs $8 (domestic) and $9 (premium). The Short Stop beer stand, located near the first baseline, offers similar pricing, along with 12-ounce canned wine for $10. Many of the familiar domestic beers (Budweiser, Coors, and Miller products) are on tap, as are several craft and import beers, including a Citrus Mistress IPA from Oregon’s Hop Valley Brewing Company. The panoply of beer at Gesa Stadium should have something for any taste. Atmosphere 3 Gesa Stadium has a familiar, minor league seating arrangement in which fans sit behind home plate and along each baseline, with no seats beyond the outfield fences. Both chair backs and metal bleachers are available in reserved and general admission seating areas, respectively. There is no covered seating in the ballpark. A simple scoreboard (hitter’s count/outs/linescore) stands behind the left field wall with a small display screen across the top. The public address system, while audible and clear, has an intermittent buzz that distracts from the game action. In-game promotions are standard for minor league baseball. The stadium’s beauty lies in its environs. Horse Heaven Hills provides a beautiful backdrop beyond the outfield, particularly with the sun setting behind the perfectly placed sunshade along the first baseline. A general admission seat along the third baseline provides great views of both, along with the action on the field. Neighborhood 2 A “neighborhood” in the true sense does not exist around Gesa Stadium. The stadium is part of the Pasco Sporting Complex, adjacent to the Hapo Convention Center and hemmed in by Interstate 182 to the south. The ballpark has abundant space around it, which makes parking easy. Fans wanting a short walk from a nearby pub or restaurant will be disappointed, however, as such options do not exist. Those fans can find pre and post-game sustenance a short drive away. Numerous restaurants sit in shopping centers along North Road 68, northwest of Gesa Stadium. These restaurants include Hacienda Del Sol (Mexican), Love Curry (Indian), Sawadee (Thai), and Bruchi’s (American). The Dugout, located at Burden Road and North Road 68, provides a nice watering hole that’s a quick drive away. Because of the ballpark’s proximity to the convention center, several hotels are likewise available within a short drive. Visitors will find both a Hampton Inn and a Holiday Inn Express on the convention center’s grounds. Fans 3 The Dust Devils enjoy strong support from fans in and around the Tri-Cities, setting new single-season attendance records in 2016 and 2019. The global COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 season and limited attendance capacity for part of the 2021 campaign. The team typically averages 2,200-2,300 fans. Those in attendance are attentive and responsive, some using Gesa Stadium’s metal bleachers to amplify foot-stomping enthusiasm. Access 3 Gesa Stadium’s access is ideal, with easy entry to the stadium’s parking lot from Burden Road. Fans can reach the ballpark by taking Interstate 182 (from which the stadium is visible) and exiting onto northbound Road 68. The stadium has plenty of parking and inbound surface roads do not experience significant congestion from baseball-loving drivers. Alternately, the Tri-Cities’ Ben Franklin Transit’s No. 225 bus has a stop on Burden Road, less than a half-mile from Gesa Stadium. The stadium itself has ample room for fans to buy tickets, find food, and reach their seats. The ticket office is well-staffed and fans do not wait for tickets or entry inside. Wide concourses run throughout Gesa Stadium, with reserved seats below and general admission seats above the main concourse. All seats have unobstructed views of the field. To appreciate the view of the Horse Heaven Hills and the sunset (modified by the sunshade), sit in the stands along the third baseline. Return on Investment 4 A Dust Devils’ game at Gesa Stadium is a good bargain. Parking is $3, with spaces sufficiently close to the ballpark to feel like a VIP parking section. The team has a creative ticket structure, with differing prices for Sunday-Wednesday home games on the one hand, and Thursday-Saturday home games on the other. A reserved, lower box seat has walk-up prices of $12 (Sunday-Wednesday) and $14 (Thursday-Saturday), while upper box seats are priced at $11 and $13, respectively, for those days of the week; general admission seats are $9 (Sunday-Wednesday) and $11 (Thursday-Sunday). Fans can save $1 per seat by purchasing tickets before game day, and discounts for general admission seats are available to kids, seniors, and members of the military. Food and beer pricing aligns with other High-Class A stadiums. Extras 3 Gesa Stadium collects a point for celebrating peanut vendor-turned-in-game-entertainer Erik Mertens, better known as “ Erik the Peanut Guy .” Mertens began working at Gesa Stadium when he was 18 years old and has spent the past two decades entertaining Dust Devils fans, including his present role as the stadium’s emcee between innings. Fans have embraced his “Peanut Guy” persona to the point that the team has created his own seating area along the third baseline and, in 2020, recognized him with his own, giant bobblehead. Erik was on assignment the night of this review, but his legend precedes him and he exemplifies why minor league baseball can be so fun. The Dust Devils have two life-sized bobbleheads that greet visitors: Erik the Peanut Guy and former Dust Devil and current Seattle Seahawk quarterback Russell Wilson, who played in Pasco in 2010 as an infield prospect of the Colorado Rockies. The Dust Devils’ popular mascot, Dusty, is available throughout games to fans wanting to snap photos or get autographs. Final Thoughts With great views and reasonable costs, a game at Gesa Stadium enables fans to enjoy baseball in a unique setting that does not break anyone’s bank. The ballpark is clean, well-maintained, and well worth a visit. Follow Matt Finnigan’s stadium journeys on Twitter @mattfinniganco .

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gibbs Stadium 1 Cummings St Spartanburg, SC 29303 Wofford Terriers website Gibbs Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 13,000 The Dog House Wofford College is a small liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, SC. It was founded in 1854 and has a student body of 1,750. The football team is known as the Terriers, and they play at the FCS level of NCAA Division I football. The Terriers are members of the Southern Conference. Wofford has a long history in football, as it began play in 1889. Over the years the Terriers have won seven Southern Conference Championships and have made ten appearances in the FCS playoffs. The Terriers play their home games at the on-campus Gibbs Stadium. The stadium is named for the Gibbs family, who was the major donor for its construction. The stadium opened in 1996 and has a seating capacity of 13,000. The seating bowl features chairback seating between the forties and bleacher seating from the end zones to the forty-yard line at each end. The field has a natural grass surface and is named for Mike Ayers, the winningest coach in Wofford College football history. There are two unique features at Gibbs Stadium. The first is the well-manicured grounds in and around the stadium. There are a number of plantings at the ends of each grandstand and neatly trimmed hedges behind the end zones. The second feature that will capture your eye is the huge video board behind the north end zone atop Hardees Hill. It measures 57 feet wide and 22 feet high. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands to service the home side of the stadium and one concession stand on the visitor’s side of the stadium. While this may seem to be a small number of food stands, it is important to understand that Wofford has less than 2,000 students. We found that the concession stands were able to serve the size crowd we had when we attended a game with no problem. The concession offerings include nachos ($5), Papa John’s Pizza ($6), hot dogs ($4), pretzels ($3), popcorn ($3), candy ($3), and roasted peanuts ($4). Drink selections include Coca-Cola brand sodas ($4), Powerade ($3), and bottled water ($3). Atmosphere 4 Saturday afternoons at Wofford in the fall are a joy to behold. The heavily wooded campus is alive with color and the alumni have returned to cheer on their beloved Terriers. The black and gold colors of Wofford football are everywhere, from the decorations adorning the tailgating tables to the outfits worn by the fans and their families. Tailgating here is a rite of celebration, and it is one of the top tailgating experiences at the FCS level. It is so much fun that a large majority of the tailgaters choose to watch the game from outside the stadium behind the south end zone. This provides an unobstructed view of the action on the field. Wofford does not have a marching band, so it invites a local high school band to play at each home game. Fans Watching From Outside the Stadium, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Wofford tailgating is very much a family experience, as several generations of families gather for a day of fun and fellowship. The school offers Terrierland, a play area for the smaller kids to enjoy their own pregame activities, such as inflatables, face painting, and visits from the Wofford mascots. Later, the kids enjoy sliding down Hardee’s Hill, which is in the north end zone of the stadium. There is always a set of broken-down cardboard boxes to use as sleds! Neighborhood 4 Wofford College is in downtown Spartanburg, SC. Its next-door neighbor is Converse College, which is all female. Both campuses are very walkable and can access the many shops and restaurants in the downtown area on foot. The Wofford campus is also designated as an arboretum and is a great in-town location to check out the fall colors. Spartanburg is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Upstate area of SOUTH Carolina. It is located halfway between Greenville, SC, and Charlotte, NC. There are a wide variety of activities to enjoy in Spartanburg, no matter what time of year. Festivals include a Spring Fling, the Hub City Hof Fest, Spartanburg Soaring Kite festival, and the Sparkle City Rhythm and Ribs Festival. Cultural activities include the Artists Collective Spartanburg and the Hub City Bookshop (named as one of the top independent bookstores in the South by Southern Living magazine. The city is also home to the nation’s only BMW Museum, the BMW Zentrum. Fans 1 Wofford football fans tend to view a Terrier’s football game as a social event. The campus is filled with tents and tailgating spreads of every description. While most fans would pack up their tailgating supplies as the time for the game kickoff draws near, Wofford fans choose to watch the action from outside the stadium, which is feasible due to the design of the stadium with an end zone at one end of the field having nothing to obstruct the view. It is not that Wofford fans are cheap…. They just enjoy tailgating while the action takes place. There are definitely more Wofford fans outside the stadium than are watching from the stands. The Wofford faithful has three mascots to cheer on and be entertained by. Blitz is an actual Boston Terrier dog. His buddy and handler is Boss, a fierce-looking costumed Boston Terrier decked out in full football gear. Boss’ sister Terri fills out the trio, as she is dressed out in a cheerleader’s outfit. Access 3 The Wofford College campus is easy to reach via I-85. From I-85, take Business Loop I-85 Exit 5A (I-585/Pine Street/US 176). Go to the second stop light (look for Starbucks) and turn right onto Twitty Street. Twitty Street will take you into the campus and parking is available in Lot G. All other lots are restricted for the use of alumni, major donors, members of the Terrier Club, and students. Once at Gibbs Stadium, there are five entry gates to choose from. Concession stands and restrooms are available at the top of the seating bowl on the home side of the stadium and underneath the stands on the visitor’s side of the field. Return on Investment 3 Reserved seats are $27. A large number of Wofford alumni and fans prefer to watch the game from outside of Gibbs Stadium, as it still provides access to their tailgating items, so their fee to watch the game would be zero. Parking is available on gamedays in Lot G on the campus for $10. Concessions are very reasonably priced. Extras 5 Gibbs Stadium is also used as the home stadium by the Wofford women’s lacrosse program and by the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. The Shrine Bowl is a postseason matchup featuring teams from North and South Carolina. Wofford football facilities serve as the preseason training camp for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. Wofford’s entire 175-acre campus is recognized as a national arboretum. Wofford plays two rivalry games each fall. The first is against Furman, a Southern Conference foe whose campus is less than 40 miles from Wofford. The second rivalry game features The Citadel, another Southern Conference member, and another in-state school. Wofford hosted and won, the first football game ever held in the state of South Carolina in 1889. Final Thoughts Wofford College is the smallest school in the FCS with a school enrollment of just over 1,700 students. Despite its small size, the school has won multiple conference championships over the years and has also competed in FCS playoffs ten times. The on-campus Gibbs Stadium provides a lovely setting for a game, as the Wofford campus is ablaze with color each fall in its park-like setting. The fans are very welcoming, and they might even invite you to their pregame tailgate.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Park West Athletics Complex 8000 TX-1604 Loop San Antonio, TX 78249 UTSA Roadrunners website Park West Athletics Complex website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 UTSA Roadrunners – Park West Athletics Complex The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) was founded just over a half-century ago in 1969. They started their athletics programs not too long after that, including their women’s sports. Over the years, as UTSA has grown, so has the athletics department. In 2006, the Roadrunners  fielded their first women’s soccer team. Fresh off of winning the Southland Conference for the first time in 2010, UTSA partnered with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County to open Park West Athletics Complex. The school would win one more conference title in 2002, their final year in Conference USA. Partially to cap off the school’s move to the American Athletics Conference (AAC), UTSA unveiled upgrades to Park West, including a brand-new fieldhouse . The $8 million, 14,325 square-foot facility includes a multipurpose community room, locker rooms, team lounges, a sports medicine center, and equipment area – the shine is still highly visible at Park West. Read on to learn more about what UTSA’s facility has to offer.   Food & Beverage   3 Park West offers one main concession stand for fans. It is located near the main entrance to the complex and offers up the vast majority of your traditional game day fare. This includes hot dogs (either plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (which can also be gussied up with chili), and Frito pie. You can also get boxes of candy and popcorn, along with bottled sodas, water, and sports drinks. Also, Park West offers alcoholic beverages, such as beer and hard seltzers, for those interested. This is a cashless facility, so consider that when heading to a game.   Atmosphere   2 The surroundings are pretty sparse at Park West, which I’m sure will improve over time once the rest of UTSA’s athletics expansion/construction in the area is done. What is available now is a lot of UTSA signage, including banners proclaiming the soccer team’s two titles and a lot of themed games. For example, I attended a contest recently where the program honored first responders; the local fire department brought out trucks and booths and was around for photo opportunities. UTSA also gave out programs, posters, and hand fans instead of a merchandise tent or booth. Those hand fans, FYI, were a great idea, as my one complaint for the area is the lack of shade available for fans in the stands. There is an unforgiving heat in South Texas during the early months of the soccer season, and that is expounded exponentially when sitting on metal bleachers. Fans looking to escape the brutal sun had to find shelter underneath the stands, away from the action – this is something to bear in mind when attending a Roadrunners soccer game.   Neighborhood   4 Park West Athletics Complex is at the far west, of course, end of UTSA’s main campus. The soccer pitch and track and field stadium share a facility, which is something to keep in mind when the season starts. It’s also about a seven-minute drive from the Historic Convocation Center , home to UTSA men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball, and Roadrunner Field , home to UTSA baseball – catching a game at one of these during your soccer visit is something to keep in mind as a possibility. In terms of attractions, UTSA’s main campus is right across the highway, literally, from both Six Flags Fiesta Texas  theme park and the Shops at La Cantera . Fiesta Texas is the largest theme park in the region and home to an iconic host of rollercoasters, such as the Iron Rattler. It also has themed events, such as its Howl-o-Scream festivities during the spooky season; it is one of the most popular attractions in Alamo City and is easily accessible from UTSA. The Shops are one of the city’s high-end collections of vendors – think Gucci, Cartier, Nieman Marcus, etc. If shopping is your passion, you will love the Shops at La Cantera. It is also home to some of the nicest restaurants in that area of San Antonio, such as Palenque Grill , an upscale Mexican food restaurant, and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille , which, as its name implies, is a high-end steakhouse. There are also plenty of other options that are sure to fit your budget and tastes. Because the athletics facilities are on campus, there aren’t any lodging options within walking distance of Park West. However, just across Loop 1604, you’ll find plenty of options, making your drives to Roadrunner soccer matches just under 10 minutes long. Options include DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest  and Spark by Hilton San Antonio Northwest near Six Flags , but as mentioned above, there are numerous other options nearby, with only your budget serving as a limitation.   Fans   2 For transparency’s sake, I will admit that I am a UTSA alum and an avid fan of all Roadrunners sports. With that said, I was slightly disappointed by the crowd that came out to the most recent soccer game I attended – I will admit it was a weekend afternoon game, however, when a certain professional football team from the northern part of Texas was playing, which might have played into the sparseness of the crowd. With that said, UTSA soccer has been a successful program in recent history; I will say that a large swath of the crowd was there to support the opposing team. Again, this is all anecdotal, but the eye test showed me that there is still plenty of room for growth in terms of fan support here.   Access   4 You can get to UTSA Main Campus and Park West Athletics Complex from any point in the Alamo City using Interstate 10 and Loop 1604; it is a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. The city’s public transportation option, VIA Metropolitan Transit , also offers multiple routes to and from the UTSA campus during the day if you choose not to drive. Once you get to Park West, parking is free and plentiful. The campus is also clearly marked from the highways, so you should have no problems on your journey to UTSA.   Return on Investment   3 Admission to UTSA Roadrunners women’s soccer is free, and parking at Park West Athletics Complex is also free. Also, playing in the AAC offers fans of UTSA the ability to see some pretty high-end collegiate competition – getting to see that for free is a bargain that is pretty hard to beat. The only factors keeping the score here from being higher are a lack of extra game day amenities (more on that shortly), as well as that few of UTSA’s big-name non-conference opponents make it to Park West for games – more often than not if UTSA is playing a Power 4 school they are doing it on the road.   Extras   2 The Spirit of San Antonio (SoSA)  marching band has a presence at UTSA soccer games. They can be heard performing in the stands throughout matches, and you can also find UTSA’s mascot, Rowdy , patrolling the sidelines and stands throughout games here, taking photos and just being genuinely fun. There is not much else in terms of Extras at Park West for now.   Final Thoughts If you’re a soccer fan, you will enjoy yourself at UTSA matches at Park West Athletics Complex. It’s a good venue for the sport, and it will eventually be an even better venue for fans. If you are in the area, you would be hard-pressed to find a more affordable way to spend an afternoon or an evening. It’s not a bucket list place yet, but Park West could be a top collegiate venue in the not-too-distant future, so get in while you can. ----- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos Courtesy of Zach Beeson Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Mel Olson Stadium 1321 SW 102nd St Burien, WA 98146 Dub Sea Fish Sticks website Mel Olson Stadium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 1,500 Not Your Average Baseball Game A lot has changed at Mel Olston Stadium in West Seattle. The Fish Sticks began life in 2015 as the Highline Bears in the Pacific International League, a summer collegiate baseball league.  After the 2021 season, team management decided to rebrand and consulted the folks and Brandiose in San Diego. However, instead of coming up with one identity, two new logos were created, the Fish Sticks and Seal Slingers.  The club asked social media and the community to vote on their favorite, and after months of promotions, over 5,000 votes globally, the Fish Sticks won with 50.47 percent of the total votes.  The club plays at Mel Olston Stadium, AKA The Fryer. It was built in 1940 and would be the center of the community’s entertainment. It was an all-wooden stadium that held 2,000 people but burnt down as a result of arson on May 22, 1977. That might have been the end of the stadium if not for a local activist named Mel Olson. He lobbied the county to rebuild the stadium, and on April 2, 1979, a new 1,500 facility opened for business and would bear his name in 1985. However, the stadium needed improvements, and with the help of local groups and volunteers, organized a remodel of the field in 2008. They dedicated the park to long-time community leader and slain officer Steve Cox.  Besides the Fish Sticks, the stadium is also used by Seattle Prep High School, South West Little League, select baseball programs, and the Puget Sound Senior Baseball League. Food & Beverage 4 The Fish Sticks have almost everything from hot dogs to fish stick po’boys.  They sell fish sticks. You can get them by the pack of five or in a po'boy. There are many options at the concession stand, including ballpark staples to Pacific Northwest classics. Let’s look at what many consider some of the best options in summer collegiate baseball. There are a few ways to order a hot dog. They can be topped with chili, shredded cheese, carmelized garlic onions, mac and cheese, and pulled pork. The Seattle Dog is a regional treat topped with cream cheese and caramelized onions.  The stadium offers nachos and garlic fries topped with pulled pork, nacho cheese, and chili. Mac and cheese and mac and pork bowls are available. Then there are the sammies: fish stick po’boys, pulled pork, grilled cheese, and a Kraken IPA fish sandwich. The Ice Chest beer garden is in left field just past the concessions.  You do need an armband for alcohol consumption which you can get at the front gate/ticket office. The ice chest juts out into foul territory up close to the action on the field. The lines can get very long as there is only one concession that sells these items in left field, especially the night we went which was dollar beer night.  There is another concession stand in right field that sells the ballpark basics from hot dogs, peanuts, and nachos. Atmosphere 3 The Fish Sticks goal is to leave everyone with an impression they’ll remember. The small West Seattle stadium has been set up as a center of entertainment on game nights with in-game promotions, on-field gimmicks, lively music and PA announcements, a beer garden, and plenty of action on the diamond. There is an on-field MC to get the crowd engaged.  It makes for a vibrant atmosphere with engaged fans.  It is an interesting setup for a stadium as the only seating directly behind home plate is the press box. The stadium features two covered grandstands that are separated by a press box. The bleacher seats hover over the synthetic field turf, and many fans stand against the railings to get a better view of the game. Just down the left field line, fans in the Ice Chest beer garden enjoy beer and wine from local establishments in Seattle and the state.  Fin Crispy, Jr. is the giant fish stick mascot who patrols the grandstand, giving out hugs and high-fives to fans of all ages. His upbeat approach to entertainment can be assessed by the smiles on the kids' faces that chase him through the stadium. He is also on the field cheering on the crowd during certain portions of the game. The team has a few traditions that include the “first toss”. The honoree flings a fish toward home plate instead of a baseball. In keeping with the sea theme, when it came time for a t-shirt toss, the mascot and employees rode in a golf cart made to look like a fishing boat. It also serves as a target for a ring toss game. Another unique between-inning event is the Fin Crispy, Jr. standing on the boat near the beer garden with a fishing net.  Fans are to throw a large, plush material fish into the net. Fans should bring something to wear since the weather can get a little cooler once the sun sets. The team does have an outdoor team shop located near the front entrance. The team offers an abundance of t-shirts, caps, and replica jerseys. Neighborhood 2 Mel Olson Stadium is in the White Center neighborhood, 8 miles south of downtown. It is a quiet, residential area in the Burien area of Seattle.  Not a whole lot going on. There is a community center next to the stadium with outdoor basketball courts and a multi-purpose field. The neighborhood offers visitors lively and diverse restaurants within a few blocks of the stadium. Tomo ( 9811 16th Ave SW ) serves eclectic Japanese-American fare, Que Chevere ( 9808 16th Ave SW ) offers Colombian-style empanadas, the Crawfish House ( 9826 16th Ave SW ) is known for its shrimp po’boys, and Future Primitive Brewing ( 9832 14th Ave SW ) has award-winning IPAs. Enjoy a cup at Dubsea Coffee ( 9910 Eighth Ave SW ) while in the area. The Fish Sticks also play alongside other Seattle teams during the summer. The Seattle Marines play games at T-Mobile Park , the Seattle Storm are at the Climate Pledge Arena , and the Seattle Cascades ultimate frisbee team play at Memorial Stadium at the Seattle Center. Fans 3 Fan support has been strong the past two seasons; gone are the days of a few hundred fans for a Bears game. They are pretty nice and welcoming, pack the stadium, and cheer at the right times. The team sold out 13 home dates during the 2024 season. The Seattle communities of West Seattle, White Center, Burien, Normandy Park, Des Moines, Sea-Tac, and Tukwila have embraced the ball club since the rebrand. Access 4 The stadium isn't very far from I-5 and is easy to find via GPS. The stadium is small and does get crowded on busy nights. The team has set up large signage with arrows to direct patrons. It is advisable to arrive early to find parking in the lot or on the street. There is also a church across the street that also allows free parking. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are $12 a game, and children under 3 are free. The parking is free, but the stadium lot is small and fills quickly. Additional street parking is available, and there are three nearby lots on 13th, 14th,15th Ave SW, and SW 102nd St.  The price of food ranges from $7 for a basic hot dog to $15 for filthy fries (garlic parmesan fries topped with pulled pork, queso, chili, barbecue sauce, salsa, jalapenos, and sour cream). The food, promotions, and merchandise are top-notch and provide fans with quite the atmosphere on a summer night in West Seattle. However, tickets and concessions are a little on the high side for a summer collegiate team.  But it is understandable because of the area of the world in which they play. Extras 4 The Fish Sticks begin each game with the “first fish”. The honoree flings a fish toward home plate instead of a baseball. The tradition honors the fish tossing at the Pike Place Market in Seattle. Fans can pick up a souvenir 32-ounce mug for $15 and refill it for free for the entire season. It works for fans attending multiple games, but also great for sharing with a few children. Fan Batter of the Night takes place during non-league games. One fan is selected to lead off for the Fish Sticks and will receive a contract for $70 (paid out $2 and the rest deferred until 2034). Final Thoughts It is a good time at the Fish Sticks with affordable family fun.  Their rebrand from the Highline Bears has proven successful and fans show up.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 John A. Baratto Athletic Center W. Columbus Dr. East Chicago, IN 46312 East Chicago Central High School Cardinals website John A. Barrato Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 8,054 East Chicago Central Hoops The John A. Baratto Athletic Center is the second-largest high school basketball gym on the planet. It remained at the two spot after a recount was conducted this past year of the largest gyms in the state that saw the New Castle Fieldhouse and Seymour’s Lloyd E. Scott Gymnasium change positions from number one and three. However, after further review, it fell to number three after Seymour leapfrogged into second place. The gym is named in honor of former Washington coach John Baratto who went 484-170, secured 15 sectional titles, 8 regional titles, 4 semi-state crowns, and the 1960 IHSAA basketball crown from 1944 to 1968. Twice he was named IHSAA Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1972. Twenty years after his retirement, more than 9,000 people attended the dedication of the building that is named in his honor. The home of East Chicago’s Central High School Cardinals has a capacity of 8,054 people and debuted in 1988. The city’s two high schools Roosevelt and Washington had consolidated two years before the gym’s opening. There have been a total of four state championship teams in East Chicago including Washington’s 1960 and 1971 and Roosevelt’s 1970 titles. The first state title for Central was the 2007 Class 4A State Championship over North Central (Indianapolis) 87-83. The Cards were led by current New Orleans Pelicans point guard E’Twaun Moore. Food & Beverage 3 The JBAC has one of the largest concession stands in the state that is located in the outer concourse of the building. The selection is similar to other high school gyms and the usual hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, and soda can be purchased for prices of $1 to $3. Central offers Coca-Cola products. Lines can get long during heavily attended games and the area also serves as a social space for many of the students at the game. Atmosphere 4 The gym can hold 8,000 plus fans but for most of the games, the upper level is closed. The bottom portion became quite overcrowded that a section of seating upstairs was finally opened to fans during the first quarter of play. There is seating on all four sides of the court and foul lines are just a few inches away from fans in the bleachers. The gym is impressive-looking even with a majority of its bleacher seats closed for home games. Multiple banners are hanging from the rafters of all of the school’s championship teams and a giant Cardinal logo is at the center court. Two small scoreboards are located in the corners of the lower portion of the gym. One thing the building does well is honoring the history of high school sports. The outer concourse features trophy cases of various state championship team paraphernalia dating back almost 100 years. Banners, jackets, accolades, and programs are encased behind glass for visitors to look at. There is also the East Chicago Hall of Fame that honors former players including the 1948 Olympian and former NBA player Vince Boryla. Neighborhood 3 The outside of the gym borders a residential neighborhood and the school’s equally impressive football stadium. East Chicago is a city of 29,000 residents and is located in The Region of Northwest Indiana just 24 miles from Chicago. It is home to ArcelorMittal’s Indiana Harbor Works, the largest steel mill in the country, U.S. Steel’s East Chicago Tin, and the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal complex Indianapolis Avenue features various eateries, shops, and other commercial retail stores in town and the neighboring cities of Hammond and Munster. Bugatti’s Steak and Pasta is located along Lake Michigan and offers fine dining, the Cavalier Inn offers Polish cuisine in a relaxed setting, and Johnel’s Restaurant offers American fare, plus breakfast served all day and a bar in a diner setting. Saul’s Chicago Style Grill offers iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, gyros, and Italian beef and Millo’s Pizza Shack has deep-dish, stuffed, and thin-crust style pizzas on its menu. Two of Indiana’s best breweries are located near East Chicago. Three Floyd’s Brewery & Pub is world-renowned for its beers and is worth a visit. The brewery gets very busy but they offer an eatery next door where one can enjoy a Gumballhead, Lazersnake, Zombie Dust, or Yum Yum on draft. 18th Street Brewery is located in Hammond and also offers a place to eat while you can order a Candi Crushable, Devil’s Cup, or the Best Patio Pils. Fans 3 The fans are focused on the court, talk about the style of play and cheer for big offensive and defensive plays. There is a fraction of the audience enjoying a night out with friends but just like with any other well-rounded basketball gym in the state, the attention is usually on the game itself. When the opposing team’s fan base shows up in large masses, you have the proper ingredients for high school basketball. Access 3 The gymnasium is located north of I-90 and west of Indiana 912. There are not any signs of the building and a GPS device is the best option to arrive at the game. There is plenty of parking in the lot outside the gym and street parking is also available when applicable. The seating bowl can become overcrowded during certain games against nearby rivals and with the majority of the seating not open, can become slightly cumbersome at times. However, bathrooms are located on the main concourse near the entrance of the building. Return on Investment 4 The cost of a basketball game is $6 and is on par with other high school gyms in the state. The concession stand prices are also affordable–a nacho supreme costs the most at $3. There is also a table near the entrance to the seating bowl that offers t-shirts and sweaters at very reasonable prices. Extras 3 The Baratto Center earns a point for its large concession area outside of the seating bowl. The gym earns a second point for the multiple trophy cases honoring Hall of Fame players and past championship-winning teams from football to basketball. The gym earns a final point for its championship banners hanging from the rafters. Final Thoughts The John A. Baratto Athletic Center may get overlooked with some of its larger size contemporaries in the state of Indiana. It offers all the necessities one would ever need at a high school gymnasium. Its location in the Chicagoland area provides visitors access to many options outside of the basketball game. It is worth a look when in the area for a game at a Hoosier Temple. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

In a perfect world, the Jasper Wildcats would play all their home games at the Historic Cabby O’Neill Gymnasium and many in attendance felt fortunate to once again attend a game at the school’s former home due to a scheduling conflict at its current gym. The Art-Deco building was the Cats' home from 1939-1977 and once again during the 2011-13 season but games have been rare as of late making today’s high school hoops game a rare treat. The game was almost implausible a little over a decade ago when the building was nearly demolished. A group lobbied to make sure the gym was saved, and the Greater Jasper School Board ended up voting 3-1 in favor of keeping it intact. Public donations and dedicated grants helped save it from the wrecking ball ensuring future use by the community for many years. “My players enjoyed the experience,” said head coach John Goebel whose earliest memories are from wrestling tournaments when he was in elementary school. “It was a fun atmosphere and an overall very good environment to compete in. I believe playing there helped to give the players an appreciation for the history of our program and Indiana high school basketball.” The boys took warm-ups wearing wedding gold jerseys with old gold lettering trimmed in black; these could have fit in in almost any era of basketball sans the Nike logo. A thunderous crowd cheered on their home squad with applause that reverberated powerfully throughout the building. A student section on one side sang in harmony decked out in various NBA and collegiate jerseys, while a few visitors donned hammerhead shark costumes to play spoiler for the day. The gym was built for $100,000 in 1939 as a Work Projects Administration project and seated 3,200 fans. There is a lot to like from the main lobby which furnishes a plethora of memorabilia dating back more than eight decades including trophies, newspaper clippings, game day programs, team photographs, and other collections from the school’s history. The 1949 Jasper State Championship team photo is the main focal point of the compilation that allows fans to examine and learn about basketball here in town. The gym would be renamed after the O’Neil in November 1983 who coached the Wildcats to its lone state basketball title and would serve as both coach and administrator from 1939-1971 The Cats were 10-9 that championship season and were a small-town-underdog heading into the final game against the Madison Cubs. O’Neill would say in 1989 that “we were like (the movies) “Hoosiers” before anyone thought “Hoosiers” up. The Wildcats defeated the heavily favored Cubs 62-61 at the Butler–now Hinkle–Fieldhouse and a crowd of 35,000 welcomed the state champs when they returned to Jasper. The team was pretty good during the 1940s and won eight consecutive sectional championships and was nearly unbeatable from 1941-1949 where the team won 8 sectionals and produced a .881 winning percentage at home. O’Neill produced an impressive record of 247-76 during his 12-year tenure and his record was 148-32 at the gym which now bears his name. Basketball would come to an end when a new Jasper High School was built in 1978 that also included a much larger and modern gym. The last game at Cabby O’Neill Gym was played on February 25, 1977, and it would continue as a middle school facility. The building’s drop ceiling would be removed shortly after in 1978. The gym was put back into service for two seasons from 2011-2013 after heavy rainfall caused the new gym’s roof to collapse just a day after prom festivities were held in the building. The basketball program would produce a 15-5 record at its former home and would begin to play at a brand new 4,800 gym for the 2013-2015 academic year. There have only been a handful of games played at Cabby in the past seven seasons and Jasper’s Athletic Director Greg Lewis does not have any plans to play another game at the gym in the future since it is rather difficult for the athletic department to hold the game off-campus that results in a lot of extra hours of work setting up the event. Almost everything has to be transported to the gym from campus including the popcorn machine, the cheese sauce warmer for the nachos, multiple candy bars, soda pop, and setting up the concession area itself. That does not include setting up chairs, bleachers, electrical equipment for the sound system, and other media areas. Coach Goebel also sees a few more issues with staging a game at the historic venue. “The only negative would be the logistical issues with holding it there–parking, concessions, restrooms, and seating are just a few of the amenities that our new gym has to offer over the Cabby Gym. It was also difficult for our athletic department to hold the game off-campus, there’s a lot of extra work hours setting the entire thing up”. The hard work paid off, the freestanding building still looks stoic on the corner of 6th and Seymour and many who purchased a ticket today for $5 were able to either reminiscence about season’s past or finally take in a varsity game for the very first time. At halftime members of the 1971-1975 sectional championship teams were honored in front of a standing ovation. However, one fan sitting in the visitors’ section yelled out “Who cares?” much to the dismay of the close to 2,000 on hand who serenaded him with boos and jeers. It’s not certain why he displayed such a truculent tone those Wildcats teams brought back a level of success not seen in town since the 1940s. They also captured two regional championships in 1972 and 1973. The boys’ basketball program has won 8 sectionals since 1975 but never back to back and never five in a row. I believe that is a lot to care about. “We had a great atmosphere and I was happy to allow those 1970s teams to be honored where they played,” added Lewis. It is a small tragedy that current Indiana gymnasiums do not look similar in design or aesthetics to Cabby; sure there is the need to bring these buildings up to certain codes and widen particular areas, but for one special day the gym was alive with a near-capacity crowd to enjoy a Jasper Wildcats basketball game. Hopefully, there will be a few more sometime shortly. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Allianz Stadium Driver Avenue Moore Park, NSW 2021 Australia Sydney Roosters website Allianz Stadium website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 42,500 Here Come The Roosters The Sydney Roosters were established in 1908 and have always called Moore Park home. They are a foundation club of the NSW Rugby League that later morphed into the National Rugby League (NRL). The club was originally known as Eastern Suburbs (Easts), nicknamed the “Tri-Colours” after the red, white, and blue playing strip. After adopting the Roosters title in the 1960s, Easts first changed their name to “Sydney City” in 1994, before shortening that to simply “Sydney” in 2000. Despite this, the Roosters have always best been known for representing the exclusive eastern suburbs and is headquartered at Bondi. The Roosters have a long and successful history, having won 15 premierships. The first rugby league superstar, Dally Messenger played for Easts, while players such as Russell Fairfax, Arthur Beetson, Bill Mullins, and John Peard featured in a 1970s team coached by the great Jack Gibson that is widely regarded as one of the best club teams assembled in history. The recruitment of head coach Phil Gould and Brad Fittler lead the club to four grand finals in five years in the early 2000s. In 2019 the Roosters became the first team to win back-to-back premierships in over 25 years. The Sydney Roosters have always been headquartered in the Moore Park area playing at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds, the Sydney Sports Ground, and then the Sydney Football Stadium when it opened in 1988. The Roosters would call the SFS home until it was demolished in 2019. After spending the interim next door at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the club celebrated the opening of the new SFS (Allianz Stadium) with a win over their bitter rivals South Sydney in 2022. The new stadium has a capacity of 42,500 and costs $828m. It is also home to the NSW Waratahs (Super Rugby) and Sydney FC (A-League) but is also expected to host finals, interstate games, and internationals in both rugby codes and soccer. Designed by renowned architecture firm Cox, Allianz Stadium is managed by Venues NSW, which operates a suite of major venues across Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong. Food & Beverage 4 The food offerings at the old stadium were universally regarded as being sub-par; overpriced with little variety for discerning fans, and usually also accompanied by long queues. There are a whopping 64 outlets within the new stadium, with a much wider selection of food and beverages. The catering contract is held by Merivale, a well-known player in the hospitality scene. Pleasingly, there is a range of different price points with basic staples including meat pies, hot chips, and hot dogs available for under $10. These are widely available at The Kiosk, along with burgers and fried chicken. Specialty outlets (and average prices) include El Loco (Mexican: $15-$20), Jimmy’s Falafel (Middle Eastern: $15-$20), Noodles and Dumplings (Chinese: $17-$18), Healthy Bowls (Poke: $18), and Vinnie’s Pizza (Italian: $15-$16 – we recommend the potato and rosemary pizza). The bars stock a range of mainstream, craft, and premium beers but expect to pay over $10 for any of the full-strength options. You’ll also find a variety of pre-mixed spirits and wine available. Soft drinks are around $5. There is less variety in the upper tiers so you might prefer to purchase your refreshments prior to ascending to your seat. Atmosphere 5 The new stadium is a huge improvement from the old SFS. First, the roof now covers all seating areas, meaning the majority (if not all) fans will remain dry when it rains. Second, the steep gradient and overall design of the stadium means most seats are situated between the try lines with excellent sight lines throughout. The seating bowl has four levels: lower tier, club tier, suite tier, and upper tier. The wrap-around design enhances the atmosphere by keeping crowd noise within the bowl. Visually, the seating design is very appealing. The combination of blues was designed by indigenous artist Tony Albert with abstract patterns representing land, water, and whale and goanna totems. Video screens are located at either end of the stadium, with LED signage throughout. The ability to customize lighting, complimentary Wi-Fi, light-up goal posts, and security monitoring enhancements are among the technological inclusions. The amenities are also vastly superior in the new stadium. Expect the usual promotions and music during breaks in play. Tag your social media photos for a chance to be displayed on video screens. There are significant nods to history and past greats throughout. Rather than naming the grandstands after past players in the usual Australian tradition, there is instead a “Ring of Champions” lining the concourse around the stadium. The initial inductees are Nicholas Shehadie (Australian rugby captain, administrator, and former Sydney Lord Mayor), Betty Cuthbert (four-time Olympic track gold medalist), Johnny Warren (arguably the most significant figure in Australian soccer of all time), Arthur Beetson (Roosters great and the first indigenous person to captain an Australian national team in any sport), and Ron Coote (won a remarkable 6 premierships playing over 100 games for both Easts and South Sydney). Pleasingly, the list includes athletes from numerous different sports, recognizing the variety of elite sports which has occurred on the site over the years. There is also scope to make additions to the “Ring” in the future. If you circumnavigate the exterior of the stadium before entering you will also notice several statues including those of Warren, Cuthbert, and compatriot Marlene Matthews (who set five world records at the Sydney Sports Ground), and Ken Catchpole (former Australian rugby captain and World Rugby Hall of Famer). Neighborhood 4 It’s important firstly to note the proximity of Allianz Stadium to the CBD and all that a global city such as Sydney has to offer Those visiting from out of town should allow several days at a minimum to tick off the major attractions such as the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Bondi Beach. The closest restaurants and bars are in the Entertainment Quarter, which is on the southern side of the SCG, with the Bavarian Bier Café (Entertainment Quarter, 212 Bent St Moore Park) being a solid choice. Heading east, you will find the suburbs of Paddington, Bondi, and Coogee – always popular with tourists and locals alike. A short distance north is Darlinghurst and Kings Cross; a more bohemian district, with “The Cross” being the red-light district. Also, close by is The Rocks, one of the first areas to be settled by the British when they arrived in 1788. If this is your destination then make sure The Hero of Waterloo (81 Lower Fort St, The Rocks) and Lord Nelson (19 Kent St, The Rocks) are on your list; they’re two of the oldest pubs in the country. Fans traveling to Sydney from interstate or overseas should check the AFL schedule as the Sydney Swans play next door at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Sydney Olympic Park. Fans 5 The Roosters attract among the largest home crowds of any of the Sydney-based teams, in 2022 their average attendance is eclipsed only by Parramatta and is marginally ahead of the powerhouse Penrith club. Their biggest rivals are South Sydney , with whom they used to share the old Allianz Stadium before the Rabbitohs moved west to Olympic Park. Expect a close-to-capacity crowd for a Roosters vs Rabbitohs clash. Fans are knowledgeable and passionate. You’ll notice plenty of club merch on display, flags and banners in club colours, and regular chanting throughout. Access 4 One aspect that hasn’t dramatically changed with the new stadium is getting to the game. Allianz Stadium is located just south of the Sydney CBD. The closest heavy rail station is at Central, a 20-minute walk away, although be warned it is uphill most of the way and so is not recommended for less mobile fans. However, a new light rail line was opened in recent years with the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford lines within easy walking distance of the precinct providing a good public transport option. Buses also operate in the vicinity. If you are driving there are several options for parking including the parklands opposite the stadium, the Entertainment Quarter (enter via Lang Rd), and Sydney Boys / Girls High Schools (enter via Cleveland St), all of which will charge around $30. Traffic can be frustratingly slow within the vicinity of the stadium both before and after the game. Arrive early if possible – and catch the curtain raiser if there is one. However, access within the building is vastly improved in the new stadium. The pedestrian entry from Driver Ave is via stairs or an elevator for those with additional mobility needs. There is at-grade access on the northern side via Moore Park Rd. Once inside wide-open concourses and escalators smooth movement throughout. When comparing the old to new, the number of seats for disabled spectators has increased from 27 (with no provision for companions) to 648. The number of male toilets has almost doubled. The number of female toilets has increased by an incredible 600%! Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can vary quite significantly depending on where you prefer to sit, however you can expect to pay around $60 for a reasonable reserved seat as an adult. There are discounts for children and families. While it is not a cheap experience, you can cut some corners with food and travel to make it more affordable. It should be noted that the pricing here is not dissimilar to most major venues and sporting events across Sydney and the country. Extras 5 One of the most pleasing aspects of the new stadium is the way the stadium is situated on the parcel of land on which it stands. The old stadium was positioned awkwardly and always felt cramped and slightly off-kilter. Designers have envisaged the stadium as a community hub, with outdoor play areas and a basketball court on the eastern side of the stadium. Check out the fan activation activities and team store prior to entry. Allianz Stadium has been designed to meet the sustainability standards to achieve LEED Gold accreditation. Initiatives include solar energy generation and water harvesting to improve efficiency benchmarks. The building uses a lightweight steel construction for the roof, which uses 40% less material than venues of a similar size. There are also electric vehicle charging points and bicycle parking available. Final Thoughts There’s no getting away from the fact that the decision by the state government to demolish and rebuild Allianz Stadium was a contentious one. Nevertheless, the new stadium undeniably offers a vastly superior fan experience. As one of the newest and most advanced stadiums in Australia, this one should be on your must-visit list.

Photos by Christian Shimabuku, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Stan Sheriff Center 1355 Lower Campus Rd Honolulu, HI 96822 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors website Stan Sheriff Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,300 The Best (and Only) Show in Town One of the main selling points for potential University of Hawaii athletes is the fact that there are no professional teams in the state and that UH sports are the islands’ version of a pro team. Exhibit A is the Stan Sheriff Center, home to the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Fans who want to watch a high-caliber men’s basketball game in Hawaii know exactly where to go. Initially named the Special Events Arena upon its opening, the arena was renamed in 1998 after former athletic director Stan Sheriff, who passed away in 1993. The arena is managed by his son, Rich, who takes great pride in maintaining the arena. And it shows. Food & Beverage 3 There are 11 different vendors to choose from in the arena that seem to get their orders out in a friendly and expeditious manner. A lot of the foods are not very unique to Hawaii and are on the pricey side, but the bumbucha nachos are a must try. Dippin’ Dots, Starbucks, Gordon Biersch are among the vendors. Sheriff says that the most popular items are the bumbucha nachos and garlic fries from Gordon Biersch. The major soda brand at the SSC is Pepsi, and there are a wide range of Pepsi products to choose from. There’s also a beer stand with five different beers and two wines to choose from, as well as O’Douls non-alcoholic beers and Budweiser Lime-A-Ritas (strawberry, lime, mango and raspberry). Of course, fruit punch is one of the fan favorites and suitable for all ages. Atmosphere 4 Regardless of team success, you can count on fans in Hawaii to always be loud and engaged. There is no bad seat in the Stan Sheriff Center. Unlike other venues, no seat obstructs your view of the game. Each seat is comfortable with cup holders on each side. At the same time, the atmosphere brings an intimate feeling, but one that’s never quiet. The arena boasts a state-of-the-art scoreboard that was built in 2011 and has an LED scoreboard. The University of Hawaii band is present at each home game, playing songs that range from the school’s fight song to the Hawaii 5-0 theme song. Fans are engaged throughout, with fun and quirky activities such as promotional dance contests for cool prizes such as a night at a Waikiki hotel and free haircuts. Since there is not a bad seat in the house, the best way to get a bang for your buck is to sit in the upper section. Tickets there normally range from $5 to $20. Neighborhood 5 What more can you ask for? It’s Hawaii, and there are many things to do. It’s right on campus in Manoa, which is safe and accessible. Side Street Inn is about a mile and a half away and provides a nice mix of local and national favorites. Even Barack Obama dined there during a visit to his home state. There are other options within walking distance of campus, and these foods range from Chinese to Greek. Waikiki is just a few miles away. Although it is the area least like the rest of Oahu, it is still a fun time in and of itself. Whether it be a stroll on the beach or just shopping one of the many stores on the strip, time goes by quickly. There are many hotels in Waikiki, which is just a few miles away from campus. Although there are a bevy of options, the Hale Koa is tailored towards military members and price their rooms comparatively well. Fans 4 Hawaii fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable about the games they cover. Most importantly, they’re honest. Unfortunately, that might mean more groans for some teams. Attendance normally correlates with team performance. During the 2016 dream season in which the ‘Bows went 28-6 with their first ever NCAA tournament win, there were two sellouts. In 2017, besides the North Carolina game on Nov. 18, numbers have been relatively low with attendance numbers in the 3,000-4,000 range. Simply put, Hawaii fans are loud. Pound-for-pound, they are some of the loudest in the nation, which surely comes from their passion and loyalty. Access 5 The Stan Sheriff Center is very accessible, and those who wish to attend a game should have no problem going wherever it is they please. Oahu has a great public bus system (TheBus), where developments are being made to make an unlimited one-day bus pass that costs $5. Another option is to catch an Uber or Lyft to the arena, both of which are legal and functional on Oahu. Parking costs just $6 and available for almost anyone, with the exception of sellouts. Traffic is mostly smooth, with the exception again being sellouts. There are two entrances in the SSC on the same side of the arena, with a ticket counter in between the two. The inside of the Stan Sheriff Center feels spacious and there shouldn’t be a problem getting around. Although the main concourse has just a slight view of the playing surface, there are many openings in the arena which one can enter through. The restrooms are not the cleanest, and like all venues, halftime is the busiest time to go. But they get the job done. Return on Investment 4 As the highest-level team in town, you know what you’re getting when you watch a UH game. The experience is well worth it. In terms of the rest of Hawaii, nothing compares on an athletic level, unless you’re talking other UH teams. Extras 3 It’s Hawaii, and it’s the best, albeit only, show in town. And although the team has fallen down somewhat in 2017 because of NCAA sanctions, the program is on the rise under head coach Eran Ganot. Final Thoughts Overall, the Stan Sheriff Center provides a worthwhile experience and a beautiful arena in a beautiful state.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bowman Gray Stadium 1250 S Martin Luther King Jr Winston-Salem, NC 27107 Winston-Salem State Rams website Bowman Gray Stadium website Year Opened: 1937 Capacity: 17,000 Racetrack Plus Football Equals Bowman Gray Unique among college football stadiums, Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has a NASCAR-sanctioned asphalt quarter-mile short track surrounding the field itself; while many football venues have a running track around them, especially in this state, few if any have a real racetrack around them. The racetrack is still used for stock car racing and the facility was even featured in a racing-themed TV show on Discovery Channel. As for football, the stadium was also previously home to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons , before BB&T Field opened in 1968; in fact, Brian Piccolo, 1964 ACC player of the year and subject of the 1971 film Brian’s Song, played his college football at Bowman Gray. Bowman Gray Stadium has been the home of the Winston-Salem State Rams since 1956 and is scheduled for some big renovations starting next season (2020), including new restrooms and a track resurface. The stands are in the shape of a horseshoe with the press box on the west side, visitors seating on the east side, and an athletic center behind the north end zone. The stands hold 17,000 fans but there is additional standing room for several thousand more behind the wall at the top of the stands, where the concessions and bathrooms are located. Food & Beverage 4 Bowman Gray Stadium has a great selection of food and beverages, including three main stands (one on each side) plus several other smaller stands and food trucks despite the small attendance, so lines are kept to a minimum. Prices are reasonable and the variety is pretty solid. Food options include spicy and PDQ chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos with or without chili, pizza, fish and chips, chicken tender baskets, corn dogs, popcorn, peanuts, packaged candy, pork skins, pickles, funnel cake, sno cones, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream, while beverage choices include soda, bottled water, coffee, hot cocoa, lemonade, and orangeade. Nothing is over $7, and the venue even offers fountain soda refills for $2. The best item on the menu is definitely the PDQ chicken sandwich with its honey butter spread. Atmosphere 3 Usually at HBCUs the band is one of the biggest draws at a football game, and WSSU’s Red Sea of Sound here does fine, but the PA announcer is probably the star of the show – he uses a lot of voice inflections to keep the fans entertained and even razzes the refs on occasion (but in a subtle way so as to stay out of hot water with the league). Also, one of the traditions at Rams games is ‘pointing’ during kickoffs, so throughout the game you will hear the announcer say “we are pointing at Bowman Gray,” and if you don’t know which way to point you should “look at the football team” – that seems to be his main catchphrase. Red Sea of Sound, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey One downside at Bowman Gray is that all the seats are metal bleaches without chair backs, which can be a little cold in November; you can rent or bring your own seat back, however, if you choose. Another downside is that the video board (which doesn’t show replays) is on the small side and is also well behind the south end zone, attached to the athletic center, so it is really hard to see especially if you sit on the north end, so you may want to sit close to it. On the plus side, however, you can sit wherever you want (most seats are general admission), and the concourse above the stands is open to the field, so you won’t miss any of the action if you go grab some food. Neighborhood 3 Bowman Gray Stadium is located within site of downtown Winston-Salem, which could be a plus, but there are also several freeway overpasses and merges around the venue, so it is not that easy to walk to anything nearby. The university is also located in what you probably wouldn’t consider one of the nicer areas in town. A couple of recommended restaurants nearby (although they are on the other side of I-40 as I hinted above) are Mellow Mushroom and King’s Crab Shack and Oyster Bar, and there are numerous other eateries in that part of town as well. There are also hotels in that area, such as Fairfield Inn & Suites or Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center, if you plan to be in town for the weekend. And if you are looking for something to do before or after the game, there is a Kaleideum Children’s Museum near Bowman Gray Stadium, as well as a NASCAR museum and a Moravian church which you can visit, as well as several other parks and museums. Fans 2 WSSU doesn’t have very many fans at the game, probably only a couple of thousand at most, but you will see a good contingent of visiting fans, since most of their conference opponents are within a couple hour’s drive. That said the stadium will seem pretty empty most of the time, which is a little disappointing, but those who are there do tend to wear team gear and are pretty vocal in their support of the Rams; you can buy WSSU team gear at the stadium if you need it. Access 4 Bowman Gray Stadium is easy to get to, given the freeways around it, and you can park literally right outside the stadium for $15 – the parking lots on the north and east sides are technically closer to the stadium; if you park on the west side you have to walk up a slightly rickety ramp to get to the venue. But there are several entrances around Bowman Gray Stadium so getting in is easy; note that students enter on the east side. Once you get inside the venue, moving around is easy and lines are short. There are many more bathrooms here than are needed to accommodate the crowd, and you can sit wherever you want, or stand and watch from the top of the concourse. Return on Investment 4 Seeing a football stadium with a NASCAR track around it is pretty cool and the PA announcer makes your visit well worth the time. Tickets run $20 for adults (lower for kids, seniors, and students) which is average if not slightly on the high side for this level of football in the area. The $15 parking is probably a little on the high side comparatively, and there really isn’t an easy way to park and walk further because of the freeways, so you are probably stuck with that parking cost. However, concessions are reasonable for the quality and amount you get, so all in the return on investment is solid at Bowman Gray. Extras 5 I mentioned the racetrack and the PA announcer, and the Brian Piccolo history, and the band also does a good job. I would also mention one architectural feature – the entrances into the stands have red (WSSU-themed) scrollwork arches over them with the section numbers, which is a nice aesthetic but also makes it easier to find your seat. Scrollwork Arches, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts I definitely think it is worth visiting Bowman Gray Stadium for its history and ease of access. The Rams are not having great success on the field of late, but if they win a few more games that should bring a lot more fans to this unique and historic football venue.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Whataburger Field 734 E Port Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Corpus Christi Hooks website Whataburger Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 7,679 Corpus Christi Hooks – Whataburger Field Professional baseball landed on Texas’ Gulf Coast in time for the 2005 season, when Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan and his group moved their Double-A team from Round Rock and rechristened them the Corpus Christi Hooks . Since day one, they have proven to be a hit with their hometown fans. Serving as an affiliate of the Houston Astros, the Hooks have seen just about every good homegrown talent that H-Town has utilized make a stop in the Sparking City. This has included All-Stars such as Hunter Pence, José Altuve, Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman, George Springer, and Yordan Alvarez. Having such a bumper crop of talent come through their roster has led to quite a bit of success for the Hooks in the Texas League. The have won a combined eight first and second-half titles, most recently in 2013, and one overall Division and League title, both in 2006. For the entirety of their history, the Hooks have called Whataburger Field their home. Located within the eyesight of Corpus Christi Bay, and with the outfield skyline filled by the historic Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, the ballpark is in no way short on atmosphere or charm. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage scene at Whataburger Field is honestly pretty great. There are no less than a dozen stands and kiosks spread out across the main concourse. Some highlights include Nolan Ryan’s Seven-34 Smokehouse, which offers up jalapeno and cheese sausages, chopped brisket sandwiches, and BBQ nachos. There is also the Home Slice pizza stand selling Papa John’s Pizza by the slice. For something cool and sweet on those hot and humid summer day games, there is a Kona Ice truck and a Dippin’ Dots stand. For chicken fans, there is a Tenders, Love & Chicken stand behind the first base line, offering up chicken fingers and their signature funnel cake waffle fries. The Valero Champions Corner Bar behind the third base line and the Live Oak Bar behind left centerfield have you covered with full-service bars and plenty of beer on tap. The real highlight, however, is the ballpark’s namesake, Whataburger . I fully admit to being a huge fan of this native Texas burger chain, so my review will always be a little (orange-colored. However, I defy anyone sitting in the stands to catch a whiff of the made-from-scratch burgers and not crave one. Atmosphere 4 There is so much to love about Whataburger Field for fans. The building has a classic design that incorporates a lot of great details into the experience. Walking up to the main gate, your eyes are immediately drawn to a massive statue of a ballplayer. Entitled For the Love of the Game , the statue depicts a young ballplayer staring out at the game being played before him. It’s a powerful image and the centerpiece of the stadium. Inside, there is just as much to take in. There is berm seating in the outfield in left field and center field. There are also numerous hospitality areas for groups, including a pool deck in the right center field, rocking chairs in the left, and the Cotton Club behind third base. The Cotton Club takes its name from the former tenant of the ballpark, a cotton press. The remnants have been incorporated into Whataburger Field – two of the former buildings can be seen prominently in the outfield. There is a team store on the main concourse behind home plate called The Tackle Box, which sells tons of Hooks merchandise. This is especially fun as during multiple games during the summer, the Hooks take part in Minor League Baseball’s (MiLB) Copa de la Diversión . This ode to the Latino culture that permeates the game of baseball sees the Corpus Christi Hooks don the gear of the Corpus Christi Cumbias; it’s a lot of fun and something only MiLB can do. Neighborhood 4 The Sparkling City is honestly a very fun place to visit and has been a getaway destination for Texans for decades. With North Beach just up the road from the ballpark, there is no escaping that you are in a tropical climate. Palm trees dot the ballpark, as seagulls are frequent visitors to the actual playing field during games; it is just different on the Coast from anywhere else in Texas. Whataburger Field is the next-door neighbor to Hurricane Alley Waterpark ; they share a fence line, and park visitors can be seen by Hooks fans, climbing the stairs to the massive waterslides over the right field wall. It’s a nice perk to have for fans…catch a game and go to a wave pool all in the same day. The aforementioned North Beach is also home to what is arguably the most picturesque spot of sand in the city, but also to some of the most-visited attractions in the area, such as the U.S.S. Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium . It is also home to the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders and the Corpus Christi IceRays . If you plan your visit to Corpus Christi correctly, you can probably double up on games, which is always fun. In terms of food and lodging, there are not too many options near the ballpark, as it was built right along the shipping channel. However, there are a few spots not too far away that will suit your needs. The one eating and drinking establishment which is within walking distance is a tried-and-true favorite: Brewster Street Ice House . Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and, of course, seafood are all offered up, along with a plethora of on-tap beers. For lodging, multiple options across the budgetary spectrum are within a 5 to 10-minute drive from the ballpark – these include the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Corpus Christi . Also, as you get closer to downtown and even across the bay, the options will grow exponentially. Fans 3 The Hooks average just under 4,000 fans per game at Whataburger Field, which has always placed them in the upper echelon of the Texas League. Attendance does tend to be higher in the early part of the season, traditionally; this is in large part due to the oppressive South Texas heat. However, the fans that do show up are all about the Hooks. They wear the gear (or they wear Astros stuff, which is fine), they cheer on the team, and they bring up the energy in the ballpark. All in all, this is a good minor-league fan base. Access 3 Whataburger Field is located right off state highway 181 near downtown Corpus Christi. The signage marking the way makes it easy to follow, and once you get there, partly due to the previously mentioned Hurricane Alley, there is plenty of parking available. The city of Corpus Christi is tucked away along the southeast border of Texas – it is a two-hour drive from San Antonio, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Austin, and just over three hours from Houston. The Corpus Christi International Airport does have daily flights to and from Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston if you choose not to drive. However, while the city does have a public transportation option, the bus line does not make stops anywhere near the ballpark. So, if you choose not to drive to the game, a rideshare is going to be your best bet. Return on Investment 3 Single-game, general admission tickets for Hooks games start at $17 per person, which is not too shabby for Double-A baseball. Parking is also not too bad at $10 per vehicle. Concessions won’t bust your wallet either, as they in no way approach what the Big Leagues charge. All in all, if you’re heading to the game with the family, a buddy, or just solo, you are going to be able to check out some high-caliber baseball at a affordable price in a great venue. Extras 4 The Hooks have done a great job of making their games attractive for the whole family by adding a lot in terms of Extras. For example, the team boasts not one, but two costumed mascots that patrol the stands and interact with the fans – Rusty Hook and Sammy the Seagull . There is a Kids Club behind centerfield with a basketball court, tee ball field, playground, and rock-climbing wall. If you’re bringing young ones to the game, you will be spending some time out here at some point. Also, like most minor league clubs the Hooks are big on fan giveaways and do so regularly. Bobbleheads, t-shirts, autographs, etc. are offered up every Saturday during the season. They also have fireworks on Fridays and dollar days on Tuesdays; just check their schedule and plan accordingly. Final Thoughts Whataburger Field is one of my favorite ballparks to visit. The ballpark shows its age a little, but is still beautifully done and in a great location. Visiting Corpus Christi is also always a great respite for me. Whether you’re taking in another game, visiting one of the many museums, or just heading to the beach and dining on first-class seafood, there is plenty for any visitor to do. If you ever find yourself on the Texas Gulf Coast, visit Whataburger Field – but be mindful of the heat. ----- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Arlin R. Horton Sports Center 5307 Rawson Ln Pensacola, FL 32503 Pensacola Christian College Eagles website Arlin R. Horton Sports Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: Unknown Welcome to the Eagle’s Nest Pensacola Christian College was founded by Beka and Arlin R. Horton and opened its doors in 1974, with 100 students and based in a single building. The Hortons also opened a grade school in 1954 that is now named Pensacola Christian Academy, which is affiliated with the college and is located right next door. Since opening, PCC has been met with a lot of controversy regarding its accreditation and some of the college’s rules, and has been nicknamed one of the strictest colleges in the country. Today the college has grown to include about 5,000 students and over 20 buildings. The Eagles officially began fielding an athletic program in 1993, of which they compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) in Division II. PCC fields 3 sports – men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The Eagles have not had much success on the basketball court; since first fielding a team in 1993 the Eagles have only made 2 NCCAA regional appearances in 2014 and 2016. However, the Eagles soccer team won 2017 NCCAA National Championship, and PCC’s wrestling team won four National Championships in the mid-1990s before NCCAA discontinued the sport. Food & Beverage 1 There is one main concessions stand located on the concourse to the right as soon as you enter. The concessions options are extremely limited with chips, popcorn, nachos, candy, and hot dogs being the only items on the menu. Bottled Coke products are the soft drink of choice for $2 each. Concessions prices are about average with what you would expect, but I would recommend getting something to eat at one of Pensacola’s many area restaurants. Atmosphere 3 Arlin R. Horton Sports Center is perhaps one of the finest venues in NCCAA; the 3,100-seat, 216,000-square-foot venue opened in 1993 and houses the school’s athletic departments and classrooms, as well as the school’s recreation facilities. The octagon-shaped brick building sits at the front of campus as soon as you come through the main gate. The first thing you notice is just how huge the building is for this level of college basketball, and the structure from the outside can resemble a D1 basketball venue. In addition, outside the venue sits a pretty big fountain which lights up at night, that greets you as you enter; from the fountain you go up about 20 stairs to get to the ticket office, which is located at the main entrance on the west side. As soon as you enter the arena you are greeted by a wide and spacious, carpeted concourse that wraps around the entire building. Walking around the concourse there are a multitude of different banners and photos of past Eagle teams, and though the PCC basketball program is usually exceptionally bad, you can definitely tell that at PCC they are still proud of their athletic programs, and honor past players and teams. The court faces north and south, and there are portable bleachers on the east and west sides, with an upper level complete with a walking track, and seats behind the track that wrap around the entire building. The venue is so clean it’s virtually spotless, and I did not see any operations staff walking around, so the fact that the venue is that clean is definitely a plus. There are four entrances into the arena, and you enter at court level, then walk up some stairs to get to the walking track/upper level seating. Because of the program’s status there is no music played during events here, except for an orchestra-like theme that plays before the game. But the staff more than makes up for it with the many promotional contests and the games themselves – every time an Eagles player hits a three-pointer they shoot t-shirts into the crowd, and during timeouts they have trivia contests and play games where fans can win prizes. During halftime they let fans come onto the court and shoot basketballs, including a 3-point contest and a half-court contest. For a school known for its strict rules it is nice to see this level of fan engagement and interaction. Neighborhood 3 Pensacola Christian College is located off a busy highway (Brent Road), under an interstate overpass in the Car City neighborhood of Pensacola. There is nothing within walking distance except about 20 car dealerships, but about a block away one can find Buffalo Wild Wings, Sky Pizza, and Outback Steakhouse, or half a mile east on Brent Road will take you to Cordova Mall, which is the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida, and has all the typical mall stores you could think of. In addition, in the parking lot you can find Chick-fil-A, Newk’s, Red Robin, Zoe’s Kitchen, Longhorn Steakhouse, Chili’s, Steak ‘n Shake, Moe’s, etc. A restaurant I recommend outside Cordova Mall is BJ’s Brewhouse, which is kind of expensive but has over 60 beers on tap and even brews its own beer. To experience Pensacola at its best, I recommend hopping on the I-110 from the college and driving a couple of miles south to downtown Pensacola. There are two distinct areas of downtown, the first being the Seville Quarter, modeled after the French Quarter in New Orleans, which features historic 1800s-era Victorian buildings that have been converted into seven different distinct bars and saloons, each with its own theme. Rosie O’Grady’s, the most famous restaurant in the Quarter, is famous for its hurricane cocktails and its dueling pianos, while Little Marlene’s houses a wide collection of Navy memorabilia, and is a local hotspot for the city’s military personnel. In addition, Fast Eddie’s Pool Hall is known for a wide selection of sports items collected from Pensacola greats such as Emmitt Smith and Roy Jones Jr, while Apple Annie’s is an outdoor courtyard-style bar. Or, other bars in the Seville Quarter include Palace Oyster Bar, Phineas Phogg’s, End o’ the Alley, and Heritage Hall. I also suggest just walking around downtown Pensacola, as the area is very scenic and historic. As the country’s first official settlement it predates St. Augustine by 6 years, but due to a hurricane, was abandoned shortly after founding. There are many historic buildings in the area, however, and if you are into history there are multiple walking tours and ghost hunts one can go on. The entire stretch of Palafox Street south of Garden Street is lined with myriad bars and restaurants as well, so you should be able to find plenty to do in the area in terms of nightlife. Fans 4 Because about 90% of students live on campus, and because of the college’s strict guidelines on visits off campus, the school tries to keep students on campus as much as possible with a multitude of different dining establishments and small stores. Just one look at activities for recreation on the first floor of the arena, for example, show how it’s possible to go to school here and not have to ever venture off campus. Many of the students on campus turn out in large numbers at basketball games; I would say about 90% of the people in attendance at a typical game are students. The portable bleachers on the east and west sides are the student section, and there is a good student turnout there. There are a few older fans sitting in the upper level seating, but for the most part a game at PCC is filled with students. Students seem engaged and are into the game, and the college does a nice job of rewarding students who attend games, as you can swipe your student ID upon entering and get some pretty cool prizes and t-shirts. Access 3 Pensacola Christian College is an easy campus to find. Conveniently located just a few blocks away from the I-110 interchange, it is also conveniently located about 2 miles west of Pensacola International Airport, so coming from out of town shouldn’t be a problem. Pensacola does have notoriously horrendous traffic, but if you can get to I-110 you shouldn’t have a problem – just take the Brent Lane/Airport Rd. exit and the campus is located right there. You should have no problem finding Arlin R. Horton Sports Center, which is located at the front of campus as soon as you enter. Return on Investment 2 All tickets are general admission and they are priced at $5, which is about average for this level of college basketball. Though you will not see any future NBA players, and you won’t hear much music being played, the staff at PCC makes up for it with their constant entertainment options and numerous fan contests done during timeouts, something you won’t find at bigger schools; that makes this a good return on investment. Extras 2 Arlin R. Sports Center has to be the only basketball arena in the country that houses a full-fledged indoor water park. On the first floor under the stairs is the entrance to the water park, and they have two slides that range from 185 feet to 210 feet. Also here is a wave pool called the Double Flowrider, a lazy river, and an indoor-and-outdoor Olympic-sized pool. In addition to the aquatic features, there is an amazing array of sports and leisure features inside the Center that includes a rock wall, 12-lane bowling alley, ice skating rink, racquetball courts, escape room, inline skating track, 9-hole miniature golf course, indoor volleyball, and ping pong tables. So, in addition to the basketball game there should be plenty for students to do. If coming to a game during Christmas season make sure to take a short drive around campus; the school goes above and beyond with its Christmas lights celebration. There are 500,000 lights strung around the many oak and palm trees around campus, and this impressive scene is quite festive, as on the most recent night I was there they also had Christmas carolers and Santa Claus. Final Thoughts Arlin R. Horton Sports Center remains an excellent place for this level of college basketball. Though there are not a lot of perks that come along with venues in this conference, the Sports Center remains an exception. From its beautiful and spacious concourse to its indoor water park and recreation facilities, the Arlin R. Horton Sports Center has it all, and remains a hidden gem sports venue in Pensacola that not a lot of people know about.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Fox Valley Ice Arena 1996 S Kirk Rd Geneva, IL 60134 Chicago Steel website Fox Valley Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,000 A Taste of the Juniors in Chicago The Chicago Steel, a member of the United States Hockey League (USHL) since 2000, moved to the Chicagoland area in 2000 from Fargo-Morehead where they were the Ice Sharks. The Steel is a junior league club that currently plays at the Fox Valley Ice Arena. They moved from the Edge in Bensenville (27 miles away in 2015) to the current Fox Valley Ice Arena. The owner upgraded to the facility including a new scoreboard in the main NHL rink, a new will-call area and made renovations to the back of the rink with office facilities. Even though the Steel is located approximately two blocks from the Kane County Cougars (American Association Baseball) neither team acknowledges each other which is strange. Owner Larry Robbins purchased the team in 2015 and since then the Steel have erased their dismal playoff record and have become a powerhouse in the USHL winning championships in the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons. The average attendance is about 1,100 per game so usually, there is no need to buy tickets in advance since capacity is 3,500 (unless you want to sit in a certain area). Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand is inside the rink and one is in the main lobby. There is an array of concession items for fans to snack on during the game that includes BBQ pulled pork ($9), Doritos walking taco ($9), hot dogs/brats ($6), pizza ($5), popcorn ($6), hot pretzel ($6), cotton candy ($5), nachos ($5), double fudge brownie / chocolate chip cookie ($4), various candy ($4) and kettle chips ($2) other snacks. Coca-Cola products are served by the bottle ($4). In addition, there is cold brew coffee ($5), coffee ($4), hot chocolate ($4), chocolate milk ($3) and bottled water is $3. Adult beverages including both domestic (Budweiser products) and local (Goose Island) beers are available in the building for $6 and $7 respectively. The local authorities include Goose Island 312 / IPA. In addition, there are some mixed drink cans (Vodka soda lime, Whiskey Mule, Rum & Mint Mojito) that sell for $10. Connected to the rink and with a good view of the arena (limited seats) is Rookies Bar & Grill that currently has a limited menu that includes main dishes such as a hamburger ($14), chicken sandwich ($14), gyro plate ($14), brisket melt ($16), Italian beef ($12), chicken wrap ($13), mac & cheese ($13). They do have a BBQ chicken salad ($14) and a Mediterranean salad ($13). Appetizers include chicken wings / fingers, machos, mini tacos, mozzarella sticks, mini corn dogs, and cheese curds ranging from $10 to $16. The limited menu is disappointing since the food at other “Rookies” locations is outstanding. There are plans to get to their full menu soon. Of course, being a bar / grill there is a wider selection of alcoholic beverages. The workers are friendly and provide a good service but can be very slow at times. I would suggest that you wait until the game starts before you get in line. Atmosphere 3 The Fox Valley Ice Arena consists of two hockey rinks (the Steel play in the main arena) separated by the main lobby that seems to be always full of lots of kids running around or playing some of the video / hockey games. The lobby has the USHL team logo banners hanging in the lobby, which is nice. However, I think the banners should be hanging in the rink. The “box office” has three windows but the lines are never long. There are bathrooms inside the arena and also in the lobby. The arena where the Steel play features a low-level ceiling, seats on both sides of the ice. There are no fixed seats behind the nets. However, on one side there is a group / party area in the corner that has a table and some chairs. There are 12 suites up above the regular seating bowl on one side that requires a separate entrance from the main lobby. The twelve suites provide a very nice view of the arena and also include food service and balcony seating. One side of the rink (opposite side of the benches) has approximately 10 rows of fixed seats and then about 15 rows of bench seating and the other side has about 10 rows of bench seating. A video board hangs over center ice and provides a lot of entertainment during stops in play and at intermission that includes fan interactions, out-of-town scores, player stats and pregame videos featuring members of the team in comical features. The video board is surprisingly big and clear for a USHL team. There are also two banners honoring the 2017-18 and 2020-21 Clark Cup Championship teams. Rusty, a dog, is the official mascot of the team who can be seen throughout the building and rink at certain times offering hugs to fans of all ages. There are a couple of concession tables (in the rink and the lobby) offering team gear that includes hats, t-shirts, and both home / away jerseys and, of course, the obligatory chuck-a-puck. Team merchandise shirts range from $20 for a t-shirt, $50 for a long-sleeved shirt to about $100 for replica jerseys. Hats are available for $23 and they have other swag such as mini hockey / goalie sticks ($8 or $9), hockey pucks / pennants ($7) and a Christmas ornament ($5). Neighborhood 2 The Fox Valley Ice Arena is just a few blocks south of Northwestern Medicine Field where the Kane County Cougars play. If you are in town for a game in early April, there is the possibility of making a doubleheader. Downtown Geneva, which is about three miles from the arena, offers many shops, restaurants and bars (to name a few really good ones: Livia Italian Eatery, Craft Urban, Fox’s Steaks, Firewater BBQ, Atwater’s, Graham’s Chocolates), and scenic views along the Fox River. A little closer to the arena is The Country House , about a block on Kirk Road. This restaurant received the “Best Burger in Chicago” award, according to the Chicago Tribune. It also serves giant muffuletta sandwiches, wraps, ribs, and steaks. It is a bit more expensive, but the food is outstanding. The Penrose Brewing, Stockholms Brewery, and Two Brothers Brewery are all about 15 minutes from the ballpark and are good places for drinks and a full food menu if you enjoy microbrews. Fans 3 The average crowds are around 1,100, except for Blackhawks Night that packs the place to full capacity. Many in the stands are curious onlookers, but many are invested in the game and a few others who travel quite a long distance to take in the game. The Steel definitely appeals to a family crowd as many of its promotions are designed to bring the kids out and with prices as low as they are, an ideal way to enjoy pretty good hockey not too far from home for many folks. Access 2 Access to the arena is easy however, it will take a bit of driving to get there, as Interstate I-88 is about 15 minutes south of the arena. Interstate 355 and Interstate 90 are about 30 minutes east and north, respectively. Note: The interstates are tolls rolls. There are no trains within walking distance of the arena. Once at the arena there is plenty of free parking. Return on Investment 3 There are three price points for tickets for Steel games. $10, $15, and $20. This is a bit surprising to me since you can go to an American Hockey League game for less than $20. Anyway, there is not a bad seat in the house. Parking is free, which is nice. Extras 3 A point goes to Rookies Bar & Grill that offers a great variety of food (once they go to the full menu) and a nice view of the rink inside its facility. A second point is for the Steel staff who create a professional experience at the facility. There are plenty of staff members who can be found to answer any questions that may be on your mind. The Steel really do a good job of offering varied promotional nights and provides a sense of welcoming to all the fans who attend games. The last point is for the suites that feature balcony seating overlooking the ice, a nice surprise and a good way to bring in extra revenue for the club. Final Thoughts The management of the Chicago Steel has done a great job of creating a professional experience at the small venue and with affordable pricing a great way to an alternative for a relatively cheap night out of the house in the Chicagoland area. I don’t understand that with the great job the Steel does with the game day experience that more people don’t show up. The Steel represented the USHL and the United States in the 2015 Junior Club World Cup in Yekaterinburg, Russia, capturing the bronze medal while defeating host Russia twice during the five-game, eight-day tournament. During this tournament, the Steel wore two really nice jerseys. Sadly, they don’t wear or sell replicas of those jerseys anymore but you will usually see some fans wearing them. Come out to see the stars of tomorrow. Many former Steel coaches and players have graduated to the AHL and NHL. Greg Moore, former head coach for the Steel is now the head coach for the AHL Toronto Marlies . In addition, the Steel has had about 20 players who have made it to the NHL. In recent years, they have had a few players drafted in the 1 st round of the NHL draft. In 2021, the Steel had 3 players drafted in the 1 st round of the NHL Draft.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Cardinal Stadium 4900 Bates Rd NE Washington, DC 20011 Catholic Cardinals website Cardinal Stadium website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 3,500 Fear the Catholic Cardinals Located in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America is the only pontifical university in the United States. For those who are unaware, a pontifical university is a college established by the Vatican and dedicated to the purpose of religious studies. The CUA's athletic programs are known as the Cardinals and compete at the Division III level in the Landmark Conference. Catholic's football team plays its home games at Cardinal Stadium, a 3,500-seat field that opened in 1985. Cardinal Stadium was also previously home to Major League Rugby club Old Glory DC for the COVID-shortened 2020 season, but they now play their home games at the Maryland SoccerPlex . Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are sold out of a food cart to the right of the bleachers (as you are sitting in the stands) and are, except for some snacks, provided by Chick-fil-A. Meal options include the regular chicken sandwich, the spicy chicken sandwich, and the chicken wrap. For added value, you can get a combo with chips and a bottled drink. Assorted candy and other snacks are also available. Prices are reasonable - snacks and drinks cost $2-$3 by themselves, and the price for a sandwich or combo is about what you would pay at an actual Chick-fil-A. Atmosphere 3 There is one large set of metal bleachers at Cardinal Stadium, which is separated from the field by a track, meaning you are set back a good distance from the field. A scoreboard behind the left end zone shows other basic information as well, such as the down and distance. As for the gameday atmosphere, they do go beyond the basics here, which is not something you see at every Division III school. A costume named Red, who is a cardinal of the avian rather than religious variety, roams the stands interacting with fans. A small pep band plays on the field at halftime but is otherwise mostly inactive. There is also a cheerleading squad that is not afraid to make themselves heard. Overall, the experience here is nothing too fancy but has just about everything you'd expect a college football game to have. Neighborhood 4 Catholic University is located in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Rome" due to the large number of Catholic institutions. In addition to CUA, there are several other Catholic high schools, colleges, and other institutions, as well as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There are certainly other places to go in Brookland as well. Busboys and Poets is a popular bookstore, coffee shop, and restaurant located across Michigan Avenue from the south side of campus. The Brookland Pint is a popular bar serving beer and burgers. The Brookland Grill on 12th Street is a more affordable option. Fans 4 While the Catholic University football team may not draw the largest crowds, the bleachers here will be mostly full for a typical game. They can get quite loud at times after touchdowns or other big plays. However, by and large, they are polite fans - there is no booing the refs or the players here if they perceive they are not doing well. The crowd runs the gamut from longtime fans and alumni to families with small children checking out a college football game for what may be the first time. While many of the fans have some connection to the program or the school, others just happen to live in the Brookland neighborhood and make the short trip over here to check out a game. Access 4 There are many options for arriving at Cardinal Stadium. If you plan on tailgating before the game, you will need to purchase a space in the tailgate lot (or tailgate with someone who does.) The tailgating space costs $50 but also includes up to four tickets to the game for people in the car that is driving into the lot. This ticket must be purchased in advance through the HomeTown ticketing app. If not tailgating, several free parking options are available, a rarity in this city. The closest lot is at the DuFour Center, which is very convenient as this is where you will enter the stadium. If that fills up, you can park at the University Garage at 3598 John McCormack Road and walk across campus to the stadium. If entering the tailgate lot, you will do so off Hawaii Avenue - staff will direct you behind the scoreboard to a space. From there, it is pretty easy to walk into the stadium. If not tailgating, you will walk through the main doors of the DuFour Center, where there will be a table for you to scan your ticket. It is best to purchase the ticket in advance via the HomeTown app, but if you are not tailgating, you can purchase tickets the day of the game by scanning a QR code at the entrance. There is no option to pay with cash or a card at the gate. Once you scan your ticket, take the stairs or elevator to the second floor and follow the signs out the door for the athletic fields. If wanting to use public transit, you can also take Metro's Red or Green Line to Fort Totten or the Red Line to Brookland-CUA. Both are about a 15 to 20-minute walk from Cardinal Stadium. Restrooms are available in the lobby of the DuFour Center and are generally a sufficient size for the crowds. However, they are a bit of a walk from the bleachers, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Catholic University football games is $12 for a standard ticket purchased in advance via the HomeTown ticketing app. Seniors and military personnel get in for $8, and children under 12 for $6. The tailgating lot is $50 but also includes four tickets to the game, so the value is not bad if that is your thing. If you have four adults in your car, you are essentially paying $2 for a spot in the tailgating lot on top of the price of your tickets. If you have two adults and two kids, it's essentially $14. You can do the math for other combinations, but it isn't as expensive as it seems. If not tailgating, parking is free, tickets are still reasonable, and concessions are reasonably priced as well. Overall, a Catholic University football game can be a good value. Extras 2 One extra star for the merch tent set up behind the end zone. Look for the trophy case and Catholic University Athletics Hall of Fame in the DuFour Center. You will walk by many displays on your way through the building to get to the game. Final Thoughts A Catholic University Cardinals football game is everything you'd expect a college football game to be. This is the Division III level, so set your expectations appropriately, but a game at Cardinal Stadium can be an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon in the fall watching football.

It is almost the end of the calendar year, and the past two months have seen a wealth of new logos from various baseball leagues throughout the country. There have been quite of changes from expansion clubs, rebrands, and from new leagues popping up all over the country. Here is a look at 13 clubs across numerous baseball loops that have introduced new looks for the 2023 season. Fans of the Boonville Baseball Club will now be able to cheer for them as the Lumberjacks this year. The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League club’s new colors are hunter green, Kelly green, and orange. An earlier logo had the lumberjack holding a giant stick, but that has been replaced with a chainsaw. The Casper Spuds is not a new logo but an alternative. The team relocated from Caldwell, Idaho when they were known as the Canyon County Spuds. The move to Casper resulted in their logo donning a cowboy hat, and Wyoming spelled out in the script. Of all of the new looks this season, this one is perhaps the more creative one, plus the cowboy hat looks better than the former baseball cap from last season. The DuBois County Bombers play out of League Park, where “A League of Their Own” was filmed over 30 summers ago in Southern Indiana. This year, the team gets a makeover with a baseball bat repositioned as a jet fighter. It is a pleasing look for the club in the summer collegiate Ohio Valley League. It could be one of my favorites this year from around the leagues. The Hamilton Cardinals of the amateur Intercounty Baseball League in Ontario, Canada, have revamped their image that felt more like a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate. New ownership contacted Matt Doyle of Matt Doyle Designs in Burlington, Ontario, to create new branding for the ball club. The new image is a major improvement and should stand out among the fan base in Hamilton and the surrounding cities and towns of the Golden Horseshoe. Matt and Cards managing partner Eric Spearin talked about the new identity on a recent podcast of mine. The Valley Blue Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League revamped its identity based on new ownership. The club’s branding will now feature a sox logo and the new colors of blue, light blue, and red. The old logo featured a dog and a roundel logo. I enjoy Sox-related baseball logos, but something feels different about this one. Could it use a touch-up like Sonic the Hedgehog for his first movie from a few years ago? The Pecos League once again does a beautiful job with a new logo. The Marysville Drakes employ the colors yellow, green, and red for seldom-used combinations to create an eye-popping design. The duck logo is a perfect mix between cartoon-friendly and perhaps a cousin of Marvel's Howard the Duck. The Pecos League's other new team is the Blackwell Flycatchers, based out of Oklahoma. The logo goes in the opposite direction from a cartoon bird to one that resembles the actual bird. The colors of sand, burnt orange, light brown, and black are another interesting combination not found with another branding. Two teams, two birds, a much different approach, but both were well done. The Minot Hot Tots made a splash with their logo for the upcoming Northwoods League. The team name was inspired by a local delicacy, the hot dish that contains potato tots and other ingredients. The Tots logo uses fierce-looking potatoes holding a spoon dripping with cheese while flames stem from his back. The colors blue, red, and yellow create an impressive new look. Check out my interview with GM Monica Blake via the Ballpark Hunter Podcast. The Horseheads Hitmen of the New York Collegiate Summer League is a perfectly fine logo, but one that could be a mouthful to say. The former Mansfield Destroyers rebranded to feature a horse head wearing a derby cap with two interlocking baseball bats. The colors of blue, solver, and shades of brown are a nice color combination, and it's very clean and subtle. The Horseheads Hitmen of the New York Collegiate Summer League is a suitable logo, but one that could be a mouthful to pronounce. The former Mansfield Destroyers rebranded to feature a horse head wearing a derby cap with two interlocking baseball bats. The colors of blue and silver, with shades of brown, are a clever combination, along with its relatively clean design. The Charlotte Knights updated their brand with a new wordmark, a knight helmet, and a splash of Carolina blue. The modern approach to the ball club was from David C. Ruckman Creative. He stated in a recent podcast of mine that the blue ties in with other sports teams in town and that jerseys were inspired by the San Diego Padres. Gold is now related as a secondary color on the home and away jerseys. It is a pleasurable remodel of a classic look in Triple-A baseball. The Grand Junction Rockies made significant improvements this offseason ditching the Rocking branding that looked more like the Pizza Hut logo to one that should be a hit with fans all over the country. The Jackalopes name uses the colors of black, purple, brown, and a tuck of blue to create an inspiring identity for the Pioneer League club. It's sharp and will do well with the local populace; it is 100 percent minor-league fun. The Malone Border Hounds of the Empire State League is another new entry for the 2023 baseball season. Nestled in Upstate New York, the Hounds employ the pleasing color combination of yellow, light blue, and dark blue, plus a wordmark that should look on home and away uniforms. However, the hound looks a bit too muscular for his good. I would like to see a larger image of the 'M' that appears on the logos mark. I want to thank Jason Moragas for collecting all of the new logos and rebrandings from every baseball league in the world. This list would not have been possible without his hard work and dedication. Check out That Baseball Map for his full list of baseball clubs. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Muncie Fieldhouse 525 N Walnut St. Muncie, IN 47305 Muncie Central HS Bearcats website North Walnut Street Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 6,579 Muncie Fieldhouse - An Indiana Classic In November 2017 a tornado swept through Muncie, Indiana, and damaged the Muncie Fieldhouse in the process. The storm caused structural damage to the west side of the building and turned the gym’s flooring into a pool. The damage was serious and many thought that the historic venue would never host another high school basketball game. The Muncie Central Bearcats basketball team had not begun their season at the time and were forced to play all home games at Northside Middle School, an arrangement that would last a full two seasons as the fieldhouse was under construction. Finally, the Bearcats women and boys’ program returned to the 91-year-old basketball gym in November 2019. The basketball court is brand new, the old gym floor now serves as art on the concourse walls. A new main entrance was created and a fresh coat of paint was added to the building. The improvements give the old gym a new ambiance but still retain the old-school charm that fans have been accustomed to for the past nine decades. Basketball has been played at the Muncie Fieldhouse since its opening in 1928 and over the years has produced eight state boys’ basketball titles. It is among the oldest facilities in Indiana and is lush with history from its multiple championship banners, old wooden bleacher seating, and the memorabilia room that offers school history dating back to the 19th century. Basketball was first played in 1901, but was not a hit, as ice polo was regarded as the school’s favorite sport. Basketball was not played between 1902-1904 and 1909-1911. However, the sport was gaining popularity on the high school level, and after Muncie produced a strong 14-3 season and sectional victories in 1916, it became a favorite by the populace. The team also had their first official home gymnasium Campbell’s Auditorium at the newly built high school. The Cats also utilized home dates at the Ball Gymnasium on the campus of Ball State Teacher’s College (today Ball State University). However, the capacity crowds created a public spirit that prevailed towards building a bigger, better, and more modern facility. After the team captured its first state championship in 1928 it was clear that a new building was in need for the high school The Public School Extension Division was created, construction costs were financed by local banks, and bonds were sold to citizens which would eventually be paid off as scheduled with the title being turned over to the school district less than 15 years later. The fieldhouse was completed at a rapid pace and dedicated on December 7, 1928. The cost was $407,429.89. The seating capacity at the time of its opening was 7,600 and a sold-out crowd witnessed a Bearcat win over the Anderson Indians 35-24. The building has been renovated on three occasions, one of which saw the capacity lowered to 6,600 people in 1983. Before the tornado damage, the last major renovations took place in 1988 when $1.5 million was spent to replace lighting, locker rooms, coaches offices, exit ramps, and modernize restrooms. The Muncie Fieldhouse has served the community in many capacities since its inception. The facility has been home to circuses, boxing matches, dog shows, the sale of war bonds by Abbott and Costello, Harlem Globetrotter basketball, a Billy Graham Crusade, and concerts featuring legends from a wide variety of musical genres including Neil Diamond, Roy Rogers, and The Supremes. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession booths located in the main hallway on opposite sides of each other. The food selection is on par with other basketball fieldhouses in the state, but I would recommend grabbing a bite to eat from the various restaurants in town. Hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and nachos are all offered at the concession booth. The prices are $1.50 for a hot dog to $2.50 for nachos. Pepsi products are sold for $2. Atmosphere 4 The walk up to the gymnasium sends a somewhat warm chill down the back of your spine. The venerable old building has a presence all its own to the first-time visitor and commands your attention. This is one of the definitions of high school basketball. Visitors enter the building through the atrium that displays large photos above the doorways of state championship teams and the dedication to the game. The atrium also has two old-fashioned ticket booths, hallways to the upper deck, and signage. The interior main lobby wraps around the perimeter of the playing court and the walls display modern font, slight dismay, that directs patrons to the washroom, concession stands, hospitality room, exits and entrances, and the museum. Once inside the court, the majority of the silver-painted wooden bleacher-style seats are above the court and extend up toward the ceiling near the old SRO section that was once heavily populated. The crowds are thin near the top and there is enough legroom to sprawl out over two or three rows of seats. The view from the game is iconic at this level as hanging banners provide a somewhat obstructed view of the action on the wooden floor. The atmosphere is similar to many other great basketball games in the state. There are the student section heckling opponents at the free-throw line, cheerleaders performing during breaks and intermissions, a mascot making his way through the stands, and a band busting out a collection of today’s popular hits. Then there are the eight state championship banners that wave majestically from the top of the ceiling which also include eight more from the volleyball team. Neighborhood 3 There are not many options to choose from within walking distance, but Muncie is a small town and your best choices for nightlife or dining would be downtown or near the shopping center to the north. The city is home to Ball State University and perhaps you could enjoy a game of college hoops at the Worthen Arena during your visit to town. Downtown Muncie has changed a bit in the past few years and Elm Street Brewing located in a former ice house from 1999 is worth the visit for its food and decor, but they also serve craft beer. A recommendation for lunch or dinner includes the pitmaster pie with Coca-Cola barbecue, smoked gouda, smoked chicken, house bacon, and brisket, or the Gonzo, a fried chicken breast top with spicy bacon jam, cheddar cheese, and egg on a homemade biscuit. A few more places to grab a pint include The Guardian Brewing Company, New Corner, Twin Archer Brewpub, and Heorot Pub & Draught House. It might be wise to visit before the game if attending an evening game. Amazing Joe’s, Savage Joe’s, and Sitara Indian Restaurants are other options in town. A cheap location is the B&K Drive-In which features car service and a menu that offers Spanish dogs, coneys, homemade root beer, and barbecue pork and brisket that is made on site. The pulled pork sandwich is $3.99 and is served on Texas toast. Fans 3 The crowd is boisterous during a Bearcats game and if they are winning, the decibel levels only increase. This is a high school basketball town and history speaks for itself. There are also a lot of fans who have been attending games for close to 70 years. They have great stories about the championship seasons of the 1950s, 1960s, and late 1970s. A few of them can be found in the fieldhouse museum and they do not mind sharing a few stories about what makes this facility so special. Access 4 Muncie is one of those towns that seems to have many different ways to enter the city. There is not a major interstate that goes directly into town, and the closest I-69 exit is about 12 miles away from the gym. Access to the fieldhouse is a different story. It is quite easy to walk from the lower section to the upper section, along with access from the main lobby to the upper section. The walls are painted with bold letters directing patrons to bathrooms, hallways, and concession booths. The easy access is impressive due to the age of the building. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is $6 and that includes free parking and entrance to the Bearcat Museum which is chock-full of history from the school. Concession prices are also very low and who would not enjoy a night of basketball in a historic venue for under 10 bucks? Extras 5 The Memorabilia Room is phenomenal and should be visited well before the basketball game begins. Yearbooks dating back to 1912, old championship banners, photos, trophies, musical notes, desks, chairs, pins, and random paraphernalia. Many other schools have a section dedicated to its history, but it is at a higher level here in Muncie. The museum workers all seem to be alumni from Muncie Central and have quite a few stories to tell about the good old days. The memorabilia in the room has all been donated and could use an additional room to house it all for visitors. The fieldhouse itself is a true legend. If the walls could talk, there would be a lot about the history of the program that began winning championships in 1928. The building might even feel a little aching from the wear and tear of the old fieldhouse, and it would smile after every Bearcat victory. There is a lot of history in the building and it begins with the multiple championship banners hanging from the ceiling, large team photographs hanging on the walls in the atrium, and other areas that harken back to another time of basketball in the state. Final Thoughts There is a copious amount of history inside the Muncie Fieldhouse. It is one of the oldest venues still hosting high school hoops and is home to nine state basketball championships, nine state finalists, and eight volleyball state championships. It is a facility that still operates in the same manner as it has for close to 90 years of operation. _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 William D. Mullins Center 200 Commonwealth Ave Amherst, MA 01003 UMass Minutemen men’s hockey website Mullins Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 8,387 This is NewMass The William D. Mullins Memorial Center was built on the campus of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1993 for $51 million. The arena was named after the local state representative who spearheaded the campaign to build a new facility to help grow the university’s athletic program and assist in the university’s overall growth. It currently serves as home to the Minutemen men’s and women’s basketball and hockey teams. Before the building of the Mullins Center, the hockey team at UMass had been downgraded to club status. The first organized hockey teams representing UMass started in 1909, playing on the outdoor pond in the center of campus. The team played outdoors on and off until 1979 when the team was discontinued due to the lack of a suitable home rink. When the Mullins Center was built, the hockey team was reborn. The Minutemen compete in the Hockey East conference with several other New England schools. Since their re-emergence, UMass has qualified for four NCAA tournaments, finishing as national runners-up in 2019 and national champions in 2021. 21 UMass alumni have played in the National Hockey League, including Jonathan Quick and Cale Makar. Food & Beverage 5 The Mullins Center has an impressive array of concessions for a mid-sized arena. Several stands line the inner edge of the concourse, each with a different theme and menu. All the arena standards such as hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and chicken tenders can be found here. \ Fans looking for something a little different can enjoy some BBQ with mac & cheese and cornbread or a slice of “pickle pizza.” Some items can be combined as combo meals to save a few dollars. Fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth can choose from a variety of pastries or ice cream from Maple Valley Creamery at the Corner Café. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Mullins Center. A selection of beer is available, including Bud Light, Coors Light, Shock Top, and brews from local favorites Sam Adams, Wormtown, and Harpoon Breweries. Copa Wines and Spiked Seltzer are also sold. New to Mullins Center starting in late October is Massachusetts Lager, brewed specifically for UMass Athletics by local favorite Amherst Brewing. Atmosphere 4 At most college hockey games the student section and pep band are the engines that drive the gameday atmosphere. While the pep band performs throughout the game and the student section does its best to create noise and energy, their efforts are not as strong as they could be. Perhaps this is because even a crowd of 5,000 only fills up the Mullins Center halfway. Still, this can be a fun place to take in a game. The staff at UMass put on a good show. Contests are held during most play stoppages; t-shirts are tossed into the stands, fans shoot pucks at mascots and there are plenty of giveaways to be had. Sam the Minuteman can be found roaming the arena and interacting with fans. The Mullins Center would provide a significant home-ice advantage if it were filled. The centerpiece of the experience at the Mullins Center is the giant video board that was hung over center ice in 2018. There are additional video boards on either end of the arena that display game stats. With three large video boards inside this mid-sized arena, it almost feels like taking in a game at a sports bar. There’s a screen everywhere you look. Neighborhood 5 Amherst is consistently rated as one of the best college towns in the country. Amherst Center is about a mile and a half from the Mullins Center and is chock full of restaurants, shops, and museums. With five colleges located in and around Amherst, the options are many and varied. From quaint book shops to museums celebrating the works of Emily Dickinson and Eric Carle to art galleries and libraries, the area around UMass has something for everyone. Visiting fans looking for something to eat before or after a game will find no shortage of options along Main and Pleasant Streets. UMass students swear by Antonio’s, home of some legendary gourmet pizza slices. For a complete listing of things to do, places to eat and lodging options in Amherst visit AmherstDowntown.com Just up the road from Mullins Center is the town of Hadley, where many more dining and shopping choices are located. Most of the eateries in this area consist of chain restaurants and fast food options. The Hangar Bar and Grill, a popular campus hangout with numerous craft brews on tap, is located near McGuirk Stadium. There are lodging options near UMass in both Amherst and Hadley. With Springfield only a half hour away, you won’t have to travel too far to find a place to stay after the game. For those wishing to eliminate the commute after the game, the UMass Hotel and Conference Center is located at the center of campus and is run entirely by students in the hospitality and tourism management program. Fans 4 With the Minutemen enjoying much success recently, including a pair of conference championships and trips to the Frozen Four, UMass has ranked in the top 15 in the NCAA attendance rankings for the past several seasons. The team annually averages around 4,500 fans per game, with attendance breaking the 5,000-per-game mark thus far this season. The student body turns out in solid numbers for Minutemen hockey games. However, they can be choosy about which games they attend. While the students do come with an assortment of cheers, chants, and songs, they don’t create as boisterous an atmosphere as other student sections. In a full building, that would easily change. UMass’ location in rural western Massachusetts works against them in terms of consistently drawing large crowds. Still, with the recent success of the Minutemen, fans have been turning up in good numbers to catch UMass hockey. Mullins Center is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the whole family. Access 4 The University of Massachusetts is located in rural western Massachusetts. There are no highways that directly serve the UMass campus, but Interstate 91 is only six miles away if traveling from the north, south, or west. If traveling from the east, the Mass Turnpike (Interstate 90) will bring you about 20 miles from campus. Take exit 63 (Palmer) off the turnpike and follow the signs along the winding country roads to downtown Amherst and the UMass campus. Although the drive from the Mass Pike to UMass takes about a half hour, the foliage during the early part of the hockey season is amazing and draws many tourists throughout the fall. It’s well worth it to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Springfield is located 16 miles south of Amherst, served by both Amtrak and the Peter Pan Bus Lines. The larger cities of Boston, Albany, and Hartford are all less than a two-hour drive from campus. The closest airport is Bradley Airport, just over the Connecticut state line. The ski resorts of Vermont’s Green Mountains are only a couple of hours to the north. Once you arrive at UMass, it’s not too difficult to get to Mullins Center. The arena is located on the western edge of campus near many of the school’s other athletic facilities, including McGuirk Stadium and Earl Lorden Field . There is only one road that serves the arena, but traffic moves pretty well into the adjacent parking lots. Most fans will enter Mullins Center on the north side of the facility and enter onto a concourse that completely encircles the ice. Concession stands and restrooms line the inner edge of the concourse. Lines do form during intermissions so plan your trips wisely. The ice is not visible from the concourse, as Mullins Center’s ’90s-era design does not include an open concourse. All seats consist of maroon padded stadium seats in a steeply pitched seating bowl, which feature excellent views of the action from all sections. Just be aware that railings may obstruct your view from some seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to UMass hockey games are quite affordable, priced at $16, $20, and $25. Parking is free in the lots located a short walk from the facility. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for specialty and premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Fans looking to save a few dollars on food can purchase a combo meal. For an additional $25 fans can purchase a pass to the Commonwealth Club, a premium hospitality area located at ice level at the north end of the Mullins Center. Included in the Commonwealth club are complimentary snacks and beverages, a cash bar, and rinkside tables with great views of the action. Extras 2 A pair of extra points are awarded for the sense of history around the Mullins Center. Photos of notable Minutemen hockey and basketball alumni line the concourse. Photos of notable recording artists to perform at Mullins Center, such as Elton John and B.B. King, are also featured. Inside the arena hang banners honoring Minutemen conference championship teams, tournament appearances, and Frozen Four teams. Additional banners honor the 2021 National Championship team, Hobey Baker Award winner Cale Makar and Patrick Keenan’s retired number 4. Final Thoughts The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 Nashville Predators website Bridgestone Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 17,159 Bridgestone Arena – Nashville Predators Nashville might be the “Music City,” but the area surrounding Bridgestone Arena, at the corner of Broadway and Rep. John Lewis Way, has come to be known by the fan-created moniker, Smashville. The NHL made an, at the time, unlikely home in Nashville to start the 1998 season, but hockey in the city has a history that goes back to the 1960s. The Nashville Dixie Flyers played in the Eastern Hockey League for nine years, until the league folded in the early 70s. Professional hockey would return for several short stints throughout the 80s, first as the Nashville South Stars of the Central Hockey League, then the Nashville Knights of the ECHL. A second incarnation of the Central Hockey League would return to Nashville in the 90s, as the Nighthawks would take the ice for the 1996 season, but would soon be rebranded as the Nashville Ice Flyers; the Ice Flyers came to an end once the Predators started to play in 1998. Though the hockey history in Nashville might be relatively brief compared to some of the stalwarts in the league, the Predators have done well in establishing themselves as one of the tops draws in the NHL, both through the success they have seen on the ice, and in the accompanying environment they have created. Food & Beverage 5 Bridgestone Arena offers an extremely thorough menu of food that stretches from the typical stadium fare of hot dogs, nachos, pizza, pretzels, and Dippin’ Dots to self-spinning cotton candy machines. Southern delights of mac and cheese, BBQ served several different ways, and even a carving station offering up traditional Southern meats. Finally, no trip to Nashville would be complete without the classic Nashville hot chicken – the Nashvillian delight is served up as a sandwich or just with tenders. Stands are plentiful around the concourse, which helps keep lines short. Several self-serve Twice Daily locations also bring their convenience stores into the arena. There are also a handful of kiosks, where fans can order before proceeding to the neighboring stand to pick up their food. One of the highlights of the food of Bridgestone Arena is the Rotier’s burger stand. Rotier’s had been a Nashville institution since 1945 but had fallen victim to the COVID shutdown. Though it does not have the same atmosphere, the legacy of the restaurant has been kept alive in the arena. The food and drink offerings at Bridgestone Arena provide a deep selection of options when it comes to food, beer, wine, and spirits. Prices are consistent with what you would expect to pay at most professional sporting venues. Bridgestone Arena is cashless, so be prepared to pay either with a card or with ApplePay. Atmosphere 4 For a facility approaching 30 years old, Bridgestone Arena has a rather modern feel to it. The main entrance features a large, rounded overhanging roof with enormous glass sections that allow fans to look out at the Nashville skyline. Meanwhile, the antenna-topped, glass cone-like structure adjacent to Bridgestone Arena serves as an entryway to the Nashville Visitors Center and the Tennessee State Sports Hall of Fame. The Predators have created a party plaza just outside of the main entry point where fans gather before going into the arena. With various vendors, games, and music playing, it is a very good way to bring the excitement of Broadway to Bridgestone Arena. Immediately upon passing through the main entry points, fans are faced with several options. Grab a beer from the various beer stands or bars, scan the multitude of concessions, visit the team store for some Predators gear, or simply explore the arena. There are several areas for fans to take photos, watch the live pregame show, or for young fans to take part in any of the several activities around the concourse. Fans arriving early will find a dimmed arena with graphics for the day’s match-up projected onto the ice, in anticipation of the teams coming out for warmups. Bridgestone Arena offers several different game experiences, from the typical seat to various clubs and suites. The rink-level Lexus Lounge gives fans access to a large bar backed with a wall of televisions, several buffets, a self-serve candy shop, and a Bloody Mary station for those noon puck drops. The Lexus Lounge also allows a unique opportunity for fans to interact with the Predators players as they exit the locker room and take the ice. Back inside the rink, ribbon boards between the levels of the arena show a rotation of statistical information throughout the game. The ribbons on opposing ends of the rink also provide closed captioning of game information and public address announcements. Fang Vision is a massive four-sided scoreboard with fang-like corner screens that billow out white clouds of fog as the arena’s goal horn sounds. There are also screens on the underside of the board that keep fans at ice level from having to strain their neck looking up the whole game. The Predator’s public address announcer Paul McCann does an excellent job at establishing a fun atmosphere that has evolved to being fan interactive. Following his announcements the crowd responds in unison, “Thanks, Paul!”. Neighborhood 5 There are not many arenas that can provide as much in the surrounding area as Bridgestone Arena has to offer – the facility is in one of the top entertainment districts in the country. Located at the head of the Honky Tonk Highway, Bridgestone Arena serves almost as the gateway to the bar and entertainment district of Nashville. However, it is not just the bars and music joints that make the area special – the historic Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum are all just steps from the venue. If looking to pair a Predators game with other professional sports, just across the Cumberland River is Nissan Stadium , home of the Tennessee Titans , who will still have a few home games left as the Preds get their season started. Or, games later in the hockey season crossover with the start of Major League Soccer and Minor League Baseball, so catching a Nashville Sounds game at First Horizon Park or a Nashville SC match are also possibilities. Fans 5 Predators fans make Bridgestone Arena one of the loudest, if not THE loudest, barns in the league. During the 2017 Western Conference Finals the noise level reached just a few tenths of a decibel under 130, which is akin to the level of a jet engine. Even with the Predators not seeing the same level of success they are accustomed to having, they still fill Bridgestone Arena over its capacity each game. At an average capacity of 101.4% each night, it places Nashville fourth in the league when looking at attendance based on how full the arena is. Nashville fans are extremely involved in the game, which is led mostly by the Predators dedicated fan group in Section 303, better known as Cell Block 303. This group of fans are the leaders in cheers, chants, and the heckling of opposing players, most of which are directed toward the opposing team’s goalie and end with “YOU SUCK!”. The group has a Cell Block 303 website that provides a rundown of chants and what to expect throughout the game. Overall, Predators fans are into the game and cheer, or jeer plays on the ice, and add a lot when it comes to creating a fun game atmosphere. Access 4 Downtown arenas come with many perks, and unfortunately one of the drawbacks is there is always going to be traffic and congestion to contend with, and Bridgestone Arena is no exception. The area is conveniently located close to the junction of three major interstates that feed into downtown Nashville; the challenge is navigating the roads, traffic, and construction. The area is full of parking options, but the most economical is possibly the $10 garage at the Nashville Library, which is just a short walk to Bridgestone Arena from here. There are three primary entry points into Bridgestone Arena. The main Party Plaza on Broadway welcomes fans to two of these entry points and has separate lines for those with and without bags, helping expedite the entry process. Though bags are allowed, see the arena policies for specifics on bag limitations. The third entry point is located on Demonbreun Street on the back side of the building. Once inside the arena, wide concourses make getting around rather easy. Concession stands are plentiful, which helps limit wait times and keeps lines from interrupting the flow of fans on the concourse. One area that does get a bit backed up is the restrooms during intermissions; try to plan those visits at other times to keep from having to wait. Return on Investment 3 It is no secret; professional sports can be expensive. According to the 2021-22 Fan Cost Index compiled by Team Marketing Report, the Predators were in the Top 10 for most expensive tickets in the NHL. While tickets to NHL games can be expensive, the trick is finding promotions and workarounds to make the excitement of the game much more affordable. For example, at Bridgestone Arena, one hundred tickets are released at 10 am (CT) each game day for just $15, but fans must access the code on the Predators’ Special Offers page for access. The Preds also offer discounts for first responders and military members registered through GovX. Standard upper-level seats start at $35, while main-level seats begin at $95, before fees. If just being in the arena is the goal, standing-room-only tickets or a concourse pass might be the way to go. Extras 5 The main level concourse was designed with an ode to the country music history of the city in mind – the floor is designed to resemble a guitar with strings and fret markers, and the façade of the second level is patterned after the keys of a piano. The fan information area has an interesting history of the skull and leg bones of the Saber Tooth Tiger that was found just blocks from the arena and provided the inspiration for the Predators name. Also in the fan information area is a fish tank with a catfish in it, along with an explanation of the history of fans tossing a dead catfish onto the ice. The Zamboni beer stands near the main entry point are a fun touch. The Predators recently unveiled their first statue, that of goaltender Pekka Rinne – Rinne also had his number 35 retired during the 2021-2022 season, the first in Predators’ history. Final Thoughts When Nashville was first awarded an NHL franchise in 1997, many did not think hockey in the state, better known for its allegiance to the University of Tennessee and ‘Rocky Top’ would work. Nothing could be further from the truth; not only has hockey worked in Nashville, but it has also thrived. Hockey in Nashville is an amazing experience, including both the in-game entertainment and the excitement of the game on the ice. But what sets Bridgestone Arena apart is the vibe of Nashville’s Broadway, which has been brought in just steps from the front doors – this feeling helps bring the party atmosphere of the area into the game.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Williams-Brice Stadium 1125 George Rogers Blvd Columbia, SC 29201 South Carolina Gamecocks website Williams-Brice Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 77,559 Spurs Up For many throughout the south, college football fandom is more a way of life than simply supporting the local college or university and hoping for a good season – the South Carolina Gamecocks are no different. While South Carolina is hardly a pushover in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), they have yet to capture a conference title; the Gamecocks lone conference championship came in 1968 when they were members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (1953-1970). South Carolina has also spent time in the Southern Conference (1922-1952), as well as had two separate stints as an independent program (1892-1921 and 1971-1991). Since becoming members of the SEC, South Carolina has been a program that has faced inconsistencies in sustaining winning, but has typically been competitive enough and able to pull off occasional upsets of top ranked teams, enough so to give Gamecock fans hope, and to create an extraordinary game day experience.   Food & Beverage   5 During pregame, Gamecock Village, the ‘Official Tailgate of the South Carolina Gamecocks’, has an extensive collection of food trucks including South American arepas, Carolina BBQ, Mexican foods featuring grilled street corn, elotes, and traditional midway foods. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium you can also find a wide selection of concession offerings, including both traditional concession stands, specialized options, and local vendors. The typical stands serve hot dogs, pizza from Little Caesar’s, and multiple styles of burgers, including a Beyond Burger for those looking for a meatless option. Chicken finger baskets with fries are also available. Billy G’s Carolina BBQ, as well as specialized nachos at Crunch, are also popular options. Williams-Brice Stadium also has a touch of international flavors, with a Thai-inspired menu from T.K.O. Kitchen, plus SOCA’s Caribbean Kitchen’s traditional tropical dishes. Beverages include selections from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks, including Powerade, along with Budweiser beers, craft brews from Columbia’s Peak Drift and their hefeweizen, hazy IPA, and blonde ale, Columbia Craft’s Carolina American style ale, and Athens, Georgia-based Terrapin Brewing Co. Also available is Beat Box, which are single serving boxed hard punches offered in pink lemonade and blue razzberry, in addition to Happy Thursday spiked refreshment, Hoop Tea hard iced tea, and Topo-Chico hard seltzer. Williams-Brice Stadium does a good job at providing a well-rounded menu that goes beyond just hot dogs, nachos, and pizza, providing fans with some of the local tastes of Columbia and the surrounding area.   Atmosphere   5 Game day festivities start well before kickoff. Tailgating is a big part of the South Carolina football experience, with parking lots in all directions around the stadium open beginning five hours prior to kickoff – these lots are filled with fans grilling, tossing footballs, watching the day’s early games, or finding an altered state of mind before heading into the stadium. Gamecock Village, just steps from the Loadholt Family Gate on the southeastern edge of Williams-Brice Stadium, hosts an athletic department-sponsored tailgate. This area features the Gamecocks pregame radio show, live bands, and a big screen videoboard showing the day’s games of interest. Several inflatables, player appearances from the Gamecocks other sports programs, and several food trucks also populate Gamecock Village. Alternatively, a more refined pregame tailgate can be found at the southern end of the stadium in the ‘Cockabooses’, which are retired cabooses that have been converted to high end tailgating suites – these cabooses rent out for well into six-figures. All that said, to say tailgating at South Carolina is a big part of the game day experience would be an understatement. In addition, there is no let down as the tailgating moves into the pregame festivities. In what has become much more than simply bringing out the team with the school fight song, South Carolina has one of the most exciting pregame atmospheres in all of college football. The fun starts when a special guest steps off the back of the replica Cockaboose, and leads the crowd in a volley of “GAME”, “COCKS” between each side of the stadium. Sparks then begin to spew from the Gamecock-themed caboose, as the them from 2001: A Space Odyssey plays, and mascot Cocky is launched into the air through sparks and smoke atop the Cockaboose, sending the crowd into a frenzy. All this excitement leads to one of the elite pregame experiences, as 80,000 fans bob up-and-down to the techno beats of Sandstorm – this legitimately gets the upper decks and corkscrew ramps bouncing. Throughout the game, the use of the Purge-like siren, followed by the crow of the gamecock, helps get every ounce of noise out of the Gamecock faithful. The in-game entertainment at Williams-Brice Stadium is as good as will be found anywhere else in the country – the use of the stadium’s LED lighting, and the ability to sync it to the music played during stoppages in play, goes a long way in keeping fans engaged, and their frenzied state high until the ball is put back into play. On top of it all, the ability to turn the whole stadium red during night games is a very cool experience. The great part in all of this is that South Carolina has been able to hold onto the traditions of college football, while still creating a fun, current experience. When looking for optimal seating, any of the areas in the upper levels of the south end of the stadium offer a terrific view of downtown Columbia. However, if seeking relief from the South Carolina sun is more the goal, there is not a lot of cover, but the west stands do get shaded first. Also, the upper most reaches do slide under the press box, providing some relief from the elements. As a result of this lack of shade, the corkscrew ramps in each of the stadium’s corners are a popular place for fans to congregate to watch the game from, similar to Auburn’s Jordan Hare Stadium . As would be expected from any SEC program, South Carolina gives fans a high-quality game experience that is certainly enhanced by the unique traditions of the Gamecocks.   Neighborhood   3 The core concentration of the University of South Carolina’s athletic facilities is roughly two miles south of the downtown campus in Columbia. This area is also home to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, which during football season doubles as a large tailgating area. There are a handful of eateries around, but these are a bit sparse in comparison to the size of the city. The neighborhood that surrounds Williams-Brice Stadium has a rather industrial feel to it, but does transition well on game days to a festive pregame college football atmosphere. Signs of the mills and factories of the area that once bustled with activity now sit abandoned, while a handful have been repurposed into gyms and cross fit studios; the core of the university nightlife is more concentrated in the neighborhoods to the southeast and northwest of campus. The Vista, about three miles north of Williams-Brice Stadium, is a focal point of USC’s off-campus entertainment and higher end restaurant offerings, while another option is the Five Points neighborhood to the northeast of the stadium. Columbia has plenty of entertainment options both pre and post game, but other than tailgating in the lots around Williams-Brice Stadium, most of what Columbia has to offer for food, entertainment, and lodging can be found just under three miles away.   Fans   5 It is difficult to find a football program in the SEC that does not come with a large backing of fan support, and South Carolina is no exception. Despite the inconsistencies of sustained success on the field, the Gamecock faithful still come out in droves, and fill Williams-Brice Stadium on a regular basis. The fans are active participants in setting the tone for the overall game experience, from the Gamecock Walk prior to gates opening, to the frenzied excitement of fans bouncing to Darude’s Sandstorm  prior to each Gamecock kickoff. Recent forward progress has seemingly rejuvenated the excitement of the South Carolina fan base – the feel has shifted recently from an expectation of winning a fair number of games each season to the expectation of winning each week, which has injected a once familiar confidence back into the atmosphere here.   Access   2 Even though there are several access points to Williams-Brice Stadium, the roads getting there are at a near standstill in the time leading to gates opening for the tailgating lots, five hours prior to kickoff. It is advised that fans use I-77, which is accessible from I-26 and I-20 – the fact of the matter is, though, that regardless of the route taken, be prepared to wait, as the streets become extremely crowded during both pre and post game. There are a few ways to avoid the traffic backup, but it involves patience or a willingness to walk up to a mile. Metered parking maxes out at five hours, so if you are willing to park at a meter and walk, it can definitely eliminate the wait to access the tailgating lots. There are also several golf cart services for hire that can bring fans to and from the area around Williams-Brice Stadium, and out of the congestion relatively quickly. Once inside the stadium, fans have roomy concourses which keep congestion to a minimum. This is very much welcome, as renovations to add more amenities would tend to take away some of the comfort of wide-open concourses. However, what is given with wide walkways under the stadium does seem to be taken back in the seating bowl. Rows here are pretty tight, so getting up during play is nearly impossible without agitating more than a handful of those in the area. On top of it all, the seating rows are fairly long, so if seated toward the middle of a row it just adds another obstacle to navigate. Following the game, the roads are equally at as much of a standstill as they were during pregame. Needless to say, getting in and out of Williams-Brice Stadium will test even the most patient of fans.   Return on Investment   3 Whenever considering football in the SEC, there will always be a premium price for tickets. South Carolina boasts having nearly 65,000 season ticket holders, which helps create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, but it does make getting tickets directly from the athletic department at the most affordable rates difficult. The most affordable seats start at just $20 before fees, but unless you plan well ahead of time they are typically not available. The secondary market is the most reliable place to buy tickets, but at this point even the seats in the highest reaches of the upper level are selling for nearly triple digits after factoring in fees. For those choosing to park at the furthest most reaches of the stadium lots, there are shuttles available for $10, which is a bit disappointing considering that several similarly sized college football programs offer free shuttles. Parking directly around the stadium will start around $40, though some independent lots at the far end of Rosewood Drive go for $20 per car. Inside Williams-Brice Stadium, concessions do seem to be a touch high, but considering the higher quality items and availability of local foods, it does not come as a big surprise. Overall, if you plan well in advance and are willing to make some sacrifices, there is value to be had in a South Carolina football experience, but it definitely does take some planning ahead.   Extras   5 Popular photo ops can be found just outside the northwestern corner of the stadium, just steps from the corner of George Rogers Boulevard and Bluff Road. Here, a large gamecock sculpture and a statue of 1980 Heisman Trophy Award winner George Rogers are popular stops. There are several permanent restroom facilities around the southern perimeter of the stadium, which provide a bit more comfort than the typical porta-potties. For those wanting to get up close and personal with the team as they enter the stadium, the Gamecock Walk passes through Gamecock Village 2 1/2 hours prior to kickoff. The walk includes not just players and coaches, but is led by mascot Cocky and the Carolina Band. There is not a ton at Williams-Brice Stadium to recognize the history of South Carolina football, but the facing of the corkscrew ramps do pay tribute to program record holders and award winners, while the ring of honor is displayed on the front of the press box. Outside the stadium is also a display recognizing the history of the Jack Springs Tailoring Traveling Blazer . Following the game, the team comes to stand in front of the band to sing the school’s alma mater; it is always nice to see a moment where the team can come together with its fans to pay tribute to the school they love and represent.   Final Thoughts Each year hope springs eternal, and despite the historical inconsistencies of South Carolina football, the fans have continued to come out to support the Gamecocks. The actual gameday experience at Williams-Brice Stadium is as fun as most you would find in the nation, but the drawback is there just seems to be a lot of obstacles in the way, which may prevent you from getting the most out of that enjoyment. From the accessibility of the area pre and post game to the costs of tickets and other related expenses, it just seems to put a bit of a damper on what truly is an exceptional college football experience.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 3233 Concession Road 10 Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6 Canada Canadian Tire Motorsports Park website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 100,000 Canadian Sportscar Madness Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (also known as Mosport) is one of the best-known race courses in Canada, and indeed around the world. The fast, sweeping turns at the facility were created for Formula One’s golden days of speed, and the facility hosted the Canadian Grand Prix multiple times throughout the 1960s and 70s. The 2.459-mile circuit is a beacon for the North American racing fan, and features some of the best camping around, while also featuring some incredible on-track action. The annual summer visit from IMSA provides a great weekend of sportscar racing for fans in the True North.   Food & Beverage   4 The food options at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are pretty standard, including burgers, fries, and chicken. There are also various food trucks on site throughout the weekend, and local vendors featuring fresh grilled burgers, kabobs, and BBQ. Drinks are also varied, featuring soda and energy drinks, as well as the best in Canadian beer. The best part about the food here is that the food booths and vendors are located all around the facility, as opposed to being in just one centralized area. As some of the portions of the track are a bit of a walk from others, this helps those fans who care to venture to the farthest edges, but don’t want to have to walk a mile back to the paddock for a snack.   Atmosphere   5 Fans at Mosport are among the best in racing, as they camp out from the opening of the gates on Day 1 all the way through the final checkered flag of the weekend – the hillsides at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are filled with campers and tents as far as the eye can see. The track itself is nestled in the countryside an hour east of Toronto proper, meaning you don’t feel the hustle and bustle of city life, but instead can enjoy comfortable relaxation in and among the forests of Ontario. But for a race fan the energy is not lost here either, meaning you get the best of both worlds. The explosion of IMSA’s attendance in recent years has also led to an increase in fans at the event, as nearly every open space is used for parking on Sunday. A flyover for the main WeatherTech Series race features vintage Canadian warbirds, and fan zone activations are plentiful for fans.   Neighborhood   3 Outside the main gates, you’re greeted with beautiful green rolling hills with sprawling farmland all around. However, this also means there isn’t really much around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, and the nearest towns are a good 20 to 30-minute drive from the venue; Oshawa and Bowmanville are the closest towns where you can find food, shopping, and lodging. The good news is that both of those areas are rapidly expanding, with homes now only a few miles away from the circuit, where once was only farmland. Favorite food stops include the Crooked Uncle in Oshawa and Chanterelle Bistro in Bowmanville. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clarington-Bowmanville and Best Western Plus Bowmanville are your two closest hotels. For viewing the sights, Clarington Family Outdoor Adventure Park and Ehrenwort Hiking Trail at Camp 30 are the most popular outdoor activities for visitors.   Fans   5 Fans at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are the best Canada has to offer – not only do you get to experience some motorsport-knowledgeable fans, but you also get to see them at their rowdiest (or at least the Canadian equivalent) during the race weekend. They know how to party and know where the best places to watch from are, and best of all, they really are as polite and welcoming as you would expect. Most fans here also come to the track throughout the year to see all the different races – whether they’re looking to catch IMSA or NASCAR Pinty’s Series, you will see them pack into the circuit.   Access   3 Getting to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is a bit of a drag, as the main highways aren’t anywhere near the track. However, thanks to the continuing construction eastward of toll highway 407 finally having reached the track, you can now get right to the track’s area without having to take too many country roads. The track itself is off highway 20, aka Boundary Road, which you can get to from the east via Regional Road 115, or from the west via Regional Road 57. Once at the track parking is plentiful, as is camping. Plus, a ticket will get you into the facility and also includes free parking.   Return on Investment   4 The cost of admission at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is very much worth it when you consider you are getting a top-notch racing experience at the track. You also get to take in some quality racing at one of the most popular tracks in North America, that has been steeped in history for years. And while getting to the track may be a bit of a drive, as it is an hour east of Toronto without traffic, the escape of going to a race in the beautiful Canadian countryside is definitely worth the trek.   Extras   4 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park recently remodeled their main office building, which now includes several suites and hospitality areas. In addition, fans are able to get up close to the teams, as entrance into the paddock is included with your ticket. Victory Lane is located right in the middle of the paddock, meaning fans can celebrate with the winners after each race. Also, most fans take to the track during race weekends at night, walking the circuit and enjoying the evening on the track itself, something not many other tracks allow you to experience.   Final Thoughts If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, watch some quality motor racing at a historic track that offers the beauty of the Canadian countryside, and has plenty of options for viewing the action itself, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is the best option for you. The fans are great, the camping is top notch, and the racing is fast.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Boone Pickens Stadium W Hall of Fame Ave & Hester St Stillwater, OK 74078 Oklahoma State Cowboys website Boone Pickens Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 60,218 Oklahoma State Cowboys Boone Pickens Stadium, formerly known as Lewis Field, has been home to football games since 1913, which is when Oklahoma State (then called Oklahoma A&M) began playing at the site. Originally known simply as Athletic Field, the venue was renamed Lewis Field in 1914 after Laymon Lowery Lewis, a former dean of veterinary medicine, science, and literature; Lewis is one of the most popular figures in the school’s history. The stadium currently has a capacity of 60,218, and was renamed Boone Pickens Stadium in 2003, in honor of renovation donations from alumnus T. Boone Pickens. Pickens’ gift was the single-largest gift in school history at the time – in 2003 his $70 million donation ($20 million of which was earmarked for stadium expansion) eventually generated more than $100 million in gifts and pledges from more than 2,500 individuals, making it the single-most successful campaign in OSU history. Besides college football, Boone Pickens Stadium also hosts high school football games during the fall, and in 1984 hosted a game between the Oklahoma Outlaws and the Houston Gamblers of the USFL. Food & Beverage 3 The food options here aren’t anything to get excited about, but there is plenty of basic stadium fare, and enough concessions to cover you during the game. The prices are on par with other sport venues. Chicken strips are available for $8, while cheeseburgers, pizza, and burgers are all priced at $6 from the regular (Sodexo) stands. Hot dogs, nachos, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, cotton candy, and packaged candy average around $4. The stadium does have outside vendors serving food with higher prices than the main stands; a few of these outside restaurants are Persimmon Hill (providing Philly cheesesteaks for $18 or pepperoni cheese rolls and club sandwiches on an everything bagel for $14 each), Pokey’s BBQ, and Curty Shack for hot dogs with a twist for $7-$11 (Curty Shack is self-titled as ‘A Stillwater Original’). The soft drink selection consists of Pepsi / Dr Pepper products with prices being $5 for a small, $6 for a medium, and $7 for the large souvenir cup. The alcohol menu is strong with a large selection of beer, liquor, and wine, including the basic Bud selection at $8.50 or Karbach brewery selections and locals for $10 to $12 – my favorite, Stilly Wheat, is $11. The food variety, quality, and prices of the food are good. However, when you have a neighborhood like Stillwater, the basics of the stadium’s food and beverage menu are a perfect match for the fans. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere begins early in the day as parking lots around Oklahoma State University open at 8 am on game day. The area around Boone Pickens Stadium and throughout the campus begins to host crowds of tailgaters with bright orange pop up tents. The smell of food from grills or smokers replaces the fresh scent of the Oklahoma plains. Non-tailgating fans that want to begin their day head towards the restaurants around Stillwater, the most famous hot spot being Eskimo Joe’s. There are two types of pre-game activities around Boone Pickens Stadium besides tailgating or restaurants – the first is a fan fest on the north side of the stadium, and the second is at the Student Union building on Hester Road. The fan fest opens about 3 hours before kickoff and invites fans to interact with the Oklahoma State athletics programs, as OSU sports teams are available for autographs, and the OSU spirit squads, along with mascot Pistol Pete, are available for pictures with fans. Once you have seen the spirit squads and Pistol Pete, head over to the Student Union building to see the Oklahoma State marching band, spirit squads, and Pistol Pete lead the OSU Cowboys football team in the Spirit Walk to Boone Pickens Stadium. The two-level, 60,000+ seat stadium fills with bright orange quickly; the stadium has bleacher seating, but there are cushions available to rent. However, fans here spend more time standing than sitting down, which is part of the reason the OSU fan base is one of the loudest in the Big 12. You’ll be able to identify the student section on the west side of the stadium, near the OSU entrance tunnel, as the front row of students beats the sides of the stadium walls with large sticks. The band is in the end zone, not far from the students. The Cowboys football team enters the field by opening a gate like at a rodeo bull riding event, and run through smoke, fireworks, and the playing band. Bullet (a horse) is ridden onto the field with the OSU flag ahead of the team. The seating at Boone Pickens Stadium is a horseshoe, but seems enclosed, as historic Gallagher-Iba Arena sits in the east end zone. OSU’s army artillery weapon, Packy, is also in that end zone, but not too close to the seats; Packy is fired throughout the game, especially after a Pokes score. This is under the supervision of the Oklahoma State University ROTC program, and the ROTC students are also visible in the student section, as an ROTC student will do push-ups for every point the Pokes score. This is done on top of a flat board, which is held up by other ROTC students. Pokes fans are continuously involved throughout the game and have numerous traditions. These traditions range from a first down chant, motioning in unison, the chant of “Orange Power” from 60,000+ people, and fans waving in unison every time the Cowboys score. Overall, the atmosphere is wonderful, and depending on the visiting team or the importance of the game, the atmosphere at Boone Pickens Stadium can easily move from good to great. Neighborhood 5 Boone Pickens Stadium is in Stillwater, Oklahoma on the Oklahoma State University campus, and is adjacent to Gallagher-Iba Arena . Stillwater has a population close to 47K and is about an hour’s drive from the state’s two largest cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The description of Stillwater is the definition of a college town – the neighborhood has interesting bars and restaurants to satisfy not only the college students, but also football fans visiting Stillwater. The main artery for campus nightlife is the strip on Washington Street, which includes Willie’s Saloon, the venue where Garth Brooks began his career. Just a few blocks east of the strip there is Hideaway Pizza, a Stillwater original and an Oklahoma tradition since 1957. However, no trip to Stillwater is complete without a stop at the famous Eskimo Joe’s. This restaurant and store will get quite crowded on game day, so plan to arrive early to experience Stillwater’s “finest little jukebox joint”. Eskimo Joe’s is just one block from Boone Pickens Stadium, and serves burgers and other great entrees, but it is the amazing cheese fries that are a must when ordering food. There are several varieties, but I would suggest the bacon cheese fries. Besides the restaurants, Stillwater is home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame; Oklahoma State has earned 34 national championships in college wrestling. The Oklahoma State campus and the city of Stillwater are also great tourist attractions in and of themselves, but on game day the neighborhood becomes one of the best in college football. Fans 4 The Oklahoma State fans, in a football-dominant state such as Oklahoma, are great football fans. However, where the other big state school seems to just have great football fans, Oklahoma State has great sports fans, and this comes out at every sporting event. The fans continuously support the Pokes throughout games with the “Orange Power” chant, motioning of guns ups or first down, as well as singing the song “Oklahoma”, but with the punctuating ending addition of the word “State.” Access 3 The only potential downside to an otherwise great road trip is the access to Boone Pickens Stadium. Getting in and out can be difficult given the location of Stillwater on the plains of Oklahoma, about an hour from public transportation or any large airport, and the city having only two ways for traffic to get out of town. Parking can be a bit of a hassle if you are not familiar with the options before coming to Stillwater. Like other college football programs, donors and season ticket holders of course have the best parking sites, but the public can usually find a business or homeowner who allows parking in their lot or yard. However, if you arrive early there is free parking along neighborhood streets, only a short walk from the stadium and many of the restaurants. Be sure to read the signs about where you can park, though, so you won’t be towed. Alternatively, if you want a safer free parking option, and you are okay being shuttled to and from your vehicle, then downtown Stillwater offers free public parking and shopping opportunities for fans. The shuttle service picks up downtown at the corner of 7th and Lewis and drops off at the stadium, located at the corner of Hall of Fame and Knoblock. The shuttle starts running about three hours prior to kickoff and continues throughout the game and after, with pick-ups and drop-offs every 15 minutes. Once you get to Boone Pickens Stadium itself, access is a great experience. There is plenty of room, and the school’s alma mater is written above the entrance gates. The bathrooms are labeled as Cowgirls/Cowboys and there are plenty of them, all with easy access. The concourses are wide and easy to get around, with plenty of signage to help you navigate the venue. Overall, Boone Pickens Stadium itself has great access, but for a first time or unprepared fan, getting into Stillwater and parking might not be as easy. The suggestion would be to get to Stillwater early and enjoy walking around the town and campus. Return on Investment 3 Boone Pickens Stadium is a phenomenal facility with great sightlines and a solid atmosphere, located in the wonderful college town of Stillwater. Visiting the stadium is well worth the money – single game tickets are $50 for non-conference games, while Big 12 games sell for $75, the exception being the last Bedlam game versus Oklahoma , which is only included if you purchase season tickets. However, if you are looking to save some money, there are always third-party markets, especially for non-conference games. The concessions prices are equal to other sport venues, but Stillwater itself offers a much better variety and cost for food. Extras 3 Boone Pickens Stadium has some great architecture thanks to the 2003 renovation, which can be seen in the split concourse and the steel infrastructure. Having 14 suites that are used for events at Boone Pickens Stadium and in Gallagher-Iba Arena is also a plus. In 2018 the stadium added the 8th largest videoboard at a college football-only stadium. OSU’s new board, which is in the east end zone on the outside wall of Gallagher-Iba Arena , measures roughly 56 feet tall and 110 feet wide, and can show live action and full-screen replays at better than 1080 HD resolution. In addition, the venue has some interesting touches in its decor, including the words to the Oklahoma State alma mater written above the entrances, the cowboy cattle-run design, and the Cowgirls/Cowboys signs identifying the women’s and men’s bathrooms. The whole college football experience here is amazing and can only be found in Stillwater. Final Thoughts A trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma is a trip that every person should make, especially for America’s Greatest Homecoming. Being on the plains of Oklahoma you can get a feel for the history of how this country began, and better understand how life was simple yet hard by just traveling through the Stillwater area. And for the football fan, Boone Pickens Stadium is a must visit, so guns up in Stillwater and join the orange Power faithful of OSU, as they ride and gather to support their Cowboys.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 John Sonny Allen Field 230 Playforth Pl Morehead, KY 40351 Morehead State Eagles website John “Sonny” Allen Field's website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,200 Checking Out a Baseball Game at Sonny Allen Field John “Sonny” Allen Field on the campus of Morehead State University opened in 1973 and holds 1,200 spectators and is located within a short distance from the football stadium Jayne Field. The ballpark is known for its unusual dimensions. The outfield fence is 24 feet high all around. The distances to the fence are 330 feet down the left field line and 345 feet down the right field line. The right-center field power alley is 335 feet, and the left-center power alley is 378 feet. The deepest part of the outfield is in the left-center field, where it measures 398 feet from home plate. Sonny Allen coached the baseball team from 1954-1975 and guided the Eagles to a 226-137 record, along with three conference championships in 1956, 1969, and 1973. Since his retirement, the team has won four more titles and made NCAA Tournament appearances, the last being in 2018. Food & Beverage 1 The single concession stand is located outside the ballpark and offers the following: hot dogs, soda, candy, and chips. There is no alcohol served at the game, and it’s advised to grab a bite to eat beforehand in one of the nearby restaurants in downtown Morehead. Atmosphere 3 To be fair, our attendance was during a rainy and cold night. The temperature had been a balmy 80 degrees the day before, but a cold front brought rain and gunpowder skies the next day. With that being said, attendance was sparse, but the action took place on the field. The stadium features a brick grandstand with a press box and concession stand at the front of the ballpark. There are two entrances leading spectators to the seating bowl that consists of bleacher-style seats down each baseline and seat-back chairs behind the backstop. Protective netting is set up from dugout to dugout. The right field fence is a short distance from home plate and has a higher fence to protect from a barrage of home runs from left-handed batters. A simple scoreboard is behind the right field wall in school colors. There are no distance markers, retired numbers, or championship banners on the outfield walls. What makes the ballpark pleasurable are the trees and hills that surround it. The location near Poppy Mountain makes the stadium view stand out among voluminous facilities across the country. There is a lookout hill down the left field line, offering views of the diamond. It has inspired the fundraising campaign for the construction of the Eagles’ Landing, which would be a viewing deck. Neighborhood 3 The Sawstone Brewing Company is less than half a mile from the ballpark and has a great selection of beer and outside, and patio seating. There are also food trucks and Pasquale’s Pizza & Pasta across the street. Customers can bring a pizza or sandwich into the bar and enjoy it with a Kentucky Common or Pale Ale. Eastern Kentucky has many opportunities for outdoor recreation that includes: tubing, skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake, and Amburgey Rock are worth exploring when in the area. There can be more found on the county’s official website. Fans 3 There were a few fans at the game, but due to Mother Nature, they appeared to be friends and family members of the players. The Eagles scored quite a bit of rain during the game, and it created a lot of clapping and cheering from the crowd. Access 3 Allen Field is located on campus next to the football field. The ballpark is on Main Street, north of downtown. There is parking in front of the stadium. Two staircases lead to the seating bowl, and plenty of room to move around once you are in your seat. The closest interstate is I-64, about an hour east of Lexington, Kentucky. Return on Investment 2 The price of admission is as follows: Reserved $8, General Admission $6, and Child $3. The food prices are low, and team merchandise is not sold at games. Downtown Morehead is a great way to spend time before or after the game for a worthwhile evening. Extras 3 Allen Field earns a point for the Sonny Allen Special, home runs that are hit over the short fence in right field. A second point is awarded to the scenery around the ballpark that sets it apart from other venues in college baseball. The last point is for the left field line view from the hill that allows fans to bring out blankets and lawn chairs during warm evenings, another nice touch to the stadium experience. Final Thoughts Sonny Allen Field is a ballpark worth visiting if you find yourself in the Eastern hills of Kentucky. It does not provide the same game day experience as nearby Kentucky or Louisville ballparks but is on par with other Ohio Valley Conference venues. If you are looking for a bare-bones and baseball-only night at the ballpark, check out a game at Allen Field. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.42 Schweickert Stadium 2600 Plank Rd. Peru, IL 61354 Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp website Schweickert Stadium website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 2,200 Pistol Shrimp Making a Home in the Illinois Valley The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are members of the summer collegiate Prospect League and play their home games at Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru, Illinois. The stadium's name comes from the Schweickert family, which donated $500,000 towards an investment into the stadium. The P-Shrimp began operations at Benedictine University's baseball stadium in Niles, Illinois, in 2019. After COVID-19 canceled the season, the club found a new home 100 miles west in Peru. The problem was that there wasn’t a suitable stadium; it was only a diamond and a few metal bleachers. That did not deter team management as they began constructing a stadium while, at the same time, not charging admission to fans. In 2023, a 575-seat grandstand and press box were built, featuring a brick backstop, a concession stand, and dugouts. Future phases of the project include sinking the dugouts, adding permanent bathrooms, extending the bleacher seating and enlarging the concession stands, and a new scoreboard. What the Pistol Shrimp have is a grass-roots ballpark that offers an experience nestled into the community it surrounds. Also, the team is named for its enlarged claw, capable of producing a loud snapping sound to stun its prey much larger. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand is no bigger than what you would find at a high school football stadium. It serves popcorn, nachos, pretzels, chips, candy, Pepsi products, and frozen treats: ice cream, sherbert, and novelty ice cream. The prices range from $3 to $5 apiece. A few food trucks make up the rest of the food choices behind the main grandstand. Tony’s Butt Shack has a menu consisting of pulled pork sandwiches, hillbilly nachos, loaded mac, and cheese, pulled pork parfait, and hot dogs. A pretzel truck featured long lines of customers ordering plain, cinnamon/sugar and garlic soft pretzels and fresh squeezed lemonade. A beer garden serves draft and canned beer and cocktails. A few highlights include the official team beer Short Hop Golden Ale, Tangled Roots Sieur De Lager, Miller, and Coors Light, Truly, White Claw, and Twisted Tea. The cocktails include Pistol Punch, High Fly Ball, and Vodka Slushies. Atmosphere 4 A Pistol Shrimp game is a different experience from most Prospect League games. The stadium looks more like a Division II ballpark, perhaps a little nicer than a few Division I ballparks, and the atmosphere rivals that of a Little League game. The surrounding area features grassy areas and tall corn fields. The grandstand has seating for 500 fans, while the stadium itself can hold up to 2,000 fans on additional bleachers, standing-room-only areas, and grassy areas where lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. The plastic theater-style chairs still have the fresh smell of plastic, and the brick backstop adds a nice touch to the stadium. The PA announcer encourages fans to look in their game program for the lucky number, 50/50 raffle tickets, and player information. Kids run around in groups chasing foul balls or standing next to the fence to get a glimpse of the players. In-between promotions include younger fans dancing, dressing up like Elvis, and answering trivia questions. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is not within walking distance of restaurants or lodging but is only a short drive from I-80 or other parts of town. Locals recommend visiting Lou’s La Grotto for pizza, the Uptown Grill for fine dining, the Country House for hearty meals, and Verucchi’s Ristorante for Italian cuisine. Mickey’s Massive Burritos is located in neighboring La Salle and is home to burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and drinks. Fans 4 There are many types of fans at a Pistol Shrimp game, including the diehards watching the game from the stands while keeping score, the parents enjoying a night out with friends while their kids run around the stadium, and the younger fans who enjoy a baseball and food with friends. Access 4 The ballpark is less than 2 miles south of I-80 at the Plank Road exit. There is ample parking in front of the stadium, and the entrance is in the left-field corner. A bulk of the bathrooms are located in port-a-potties way down the right field line and behind the grandstand. Soon, to be replaced with a further phase of renovations. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all games is free, and prices for concession foods range between $3-$5, but they are limited. The food truck options are a little higher but much better in quality, from $12-$14. The beer garden offers a range of beer, seltzers, and cocktails between $4 to $6. Merchandise runs $30 for a ball cap and $25 for a t-shirt. The team has a variety of items, but they are limited in size. Extras 3 The Pistol Shrimp earns a point for offering free admission to all games, having a fun and exciting mascot seen throughout the game, and providing a community-based experience at the ballpark during the summer months of June and July. Final Thoughts The Prospect League has its share of ballpark experience, from former minor league venues to community ballparks. Schweickert Stadium falls somewhere in between as a living structure that should change in the years to come. The fans, free tickets, and small-town setting make it worth a visit somewhere between the stadiums of Rockford , Normal , and Joliet . ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 San Siro Via Piccolomini 5 Milan, Lombardy 20151 Italy AC Milan website San Siro website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 80,018 Si Si Si San Siro Since 1926, the San Siro stadium in the city of Milan has been the home of Italian football club AC Milan. The stadium was built in 1925 and was named after the district of San Siro, which is a district located in the west of Milan. On the September 19, 1926 the stadium was opened in front of 35,000 spectators with a match between AC Milan and fellow citizens Internazionale (Inter Milan). As ground sharing is not uncommon in Italy, Internazionale decided back in the late 1950’s to play their home matches in this stadium as well. In 1979 the name of the stadium was officially renamed Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. It was named after club legend and football player Giuseppe Meazza. Meazza played for both Milan clubs but won the most trophies for Internazionale. The name change of the stadium was very controversial. Supporters of AC Milan, never accepted the new name and still call their stadium San Siro. For the 1990 World Cup, the stadium was renovated at a cost of 60 million euros. The stadium was given a third tier and around the stadium appeared 11 round reinforced concrete towers which function as stairs. There was also a roof added on the stadium, which had been uncovered since the opening back in 1926. The four corner towers (each 51 metres high) support the gigantic roof with its distinctive red iron framework making the stadium a real landmark. During the 1990 World Cup the stadium hosted six matches including the opening match of the tournament between Cameroon and Argentina. The San Siro stadium has been labelled by the UEFA as a five star stadium and was awarded to host several Champions League finals. The stadium is also used for concerts and other events. The world’s biggest pop stars (like Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Robbie Williams) have played at the San Siro. The current capacity of the San Siro stadium is 80,018 seats. Food & Beverage 3 There is plenty of space around the stadium and many stalls where you can drink or eat something before the match, forming a ring around the stadium. There are stalls which serve beer or sodas and there are other stalls which serve hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza slices and panini (prepared sandwiches). We paid just 3 euro, for quite a large ham and cheese sandwich, and ate our sandwich during the halftime break. Inside the ground, at the very small counters underneath the stands, the choice of food and drinks is rather poor. They serve drinks like coffee, soda and beer, and crisps, peanuts and various candy bars. I can’t see how these small counters can serve 80,000 people when the stadiums is sold out. Atmosphere 5 Despite the impressive size of the San Siro, the stadium is actually very compact and the stands are steep and close to the pitch. From each position you have an excellent view on the pitch. With its four concrete towers supporting the gigantic roof structure, the San Siro is one of my favourite stadiums in Europe. All the seats inside the ground are coloured and have a backing. Each section of the ground has its own colour of seats (red, green, orange or blue). Only the Santiago Bernabeu stadium of Real Madrid can top the San Siro stadium in terms of comfort and atmosphere in my experience. Neighborhood 3 The San Siro stadium is located in the western part of the city Milan in the district of San Siro. This is a rather quiet residential area which does not have many restaurants to offer. It’s better to eat in the city centre before going to the match. At the Lotto-metro station and nearby squares you can find plenty of restaurants. There is also a McDonalds and a Chinese restaurant (Ri Xin). We decided to eat at Pizerria Don Clemente (two minutes walking from the Lotto-metro station at the Via Bianchi Mosè). It’s quite a large restaurant. On the menu are various kinds of pizza, pastas, steaks and even swordfish. The pizzas are OK, but not more than that. Fans 5 AC Milan supporters are very loyal. In the Serie A (top of Italian League football) they fill their stadium each match with an average of 45,000 fans. The most fanatic supporters are housed in the south section (Curva Sud) of the San Siro stadium. There are many fan groups from all over the country who support AC Milan. The most fanatic and biggest fan groups are the ‘Brigata Rossenere’ (Red and Black Brigade) and the ‘Fossa dei Leoni’ (the Lions’ Den). These fans are called Ultras and are very vocal and support their club during the whole match with flags, banners and sometimes pyrotechnics. Unfortunately, there were no pyrotechnics involved during this match as I had experienced before at my travels to Paris Saint-Germain and FC Schalke 04. The away fans are housed in a segregated section from the upper tier of the Curva Nord. Access 4 The easiest way to get from the city centre to the stadium is by metro. You need Metro M1 – red line and get off at the Lotto-metro station. After the 20 minute ride, you need to walk for another 20 minutes. You can also get a free bus transfer on match days to the stadium, but then you will miss all the people gathering and walking towards the stadium. Along this route there are many souvenir and food stalls. You can also take tram 16 from the city centre which brings you just in front of the stadium (stop Rospigliosi Axum). Return on Investment 5 You can expect a great day out at the San Siro stadium. The walk to the stadium helps to build the anticipation and overall atmosphere. Outside the stadium there is a lot of activity going on, so there is no need to get into the stadium early. The stadium itself is impressive and one of Europe’s finest. We paid just 37 euro for our seat on the 2nd tier at the long side of the pitch. From here you will have a great view of the action on the field and in the Curva Sud. Extras 4 The San Siro Museum is the first museum in Italy to be housed inside a stadium. In the cinema hall of the museum you can see a fascinating movie about Milan, Inter and the history of the San Siro stadium. When the ground is not use it is possible to have a guided tour around all the parts of the stadium including the museum, trophy room, dressing room and you can visit the stands. The cost of this guided tour is rather expensive as you have to pay € 14 for an adult. These daily stadium tours are given in both Italian and English. There are reduced ticket prices for this tour (and for match tickets) for children under 14 years of age and for fans who are over 65 years of age. Final Thoughts When you stay a couple of days in Milan for a city trip and you have seen all the highlights like Il Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, and the Scala and you are finished shopping then consider going to the San Siro stadium. You can book a stadium tour or you can visit a football match for either AC Milan or Internazionale (or even better, for the derby match between the two). This is it where you can experience the true Italian culture. There is no doubt that after one visit, you will want to come back for more.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Warner Park 1625 Northport Dr Madison, WI 53704 Madison Mallards website Warner Park website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 6,750 Welcome to the Duck Pond The Madison Mallards have been providing their brand of baseball fun since 2001. The club has continuously led all summer collegiate baseball in average attendance figures and has upgraded its home ballpark Warner Field to improve the game day atmosphere. The venue, dubbed The Duck Pond, has become a destination for fans in Madison. Warner Park was built in 1982 for the Oakland A’s Class-A affiliate Madison Muskies. The team never averaged more than 2,000 fans a game but began to slide from 1987-1993. The following year Madison Hatters debuted by relocating after the season. The independent Madison Black Wolf came to call the park home from 1996-2000. The Mallards began operations in 2001 and have never looked back, with attendance records hovering over 6,000 fans per game. The team has also added various renovations that have included The Duck Blind in right field, The Backyard seating behind the left field, a souvenir shop, new concession stands, seating from Baltimore’s Camden Yards, and a VIP deck behind home plate. Food & Beverage 5 The Duck Pond has plenty of food and beverages to wet any fan’s whistle at the game. The main concession stands are located beyond the home plate grandstand and with a specialty price ticket in The Duck Blind. The Festival Food Grill stands are directly behind the grandstand and feature hot dogs, burgers, brats, cheese curds, and specialty brats. The Stellar burger is served on a cheese bun with blue cheese crumbles, bacon, charred jalapenos, and Carolina barbecue sauce. The specialty brat during our visit was a Jamaican jerk brat. There is also a black bean veggie burger offered at the concession stand. A few feet away are three unique stands built out of truck containers: Let’s Get Fried, Dinger Donuts, and I’d Smoke That. The three concession stands are identifiable by their colorful neon signs. Dinger Donuts offers powdered mini donuts served in a novelty helmet with a choice of toppings. Let’s Get Fried serves boneless chicken wings, cheese curds, fried chicken sandwiches, and fries. I’d Smoked That offers pulled pork and beef brisket sandwiches, half-rack of ribs, sides of mac and cheese, cornbread, cole slaw, and corn on the cob. The beer selection includes 21 varieties of both macro and micro brews and can be found behind the main grandstand and in The Duck Blind. The macro beers include Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Labatt Blue, Blue Moon, and Busch Light. The micro beers are from Potosi, One Barrel Brewing Company, O’so, Vintage, Elysian, Bell’s, and Blake Hard Cider. Fans can order them by the pint, 32-ounce, or a 67-ounce Duck Foot Boot. Fans also enjoy BOGO on beers for an inning if the beer batter on the opposing team strikes out. Pepsi products are available for those who do not drink. Atmosphere 5 A Mallards game is advertised as a nine-inning vacation, and that begins in the left-field corner. Fans wait in line before the gates open and are greeted by the players and team mascot. They continue their walk towards the grandstand, passing by a kids’ play zone, concession stands, and local business table and tents. The main grandstand is decked out with a covered press box, VIP seating area, table-top seating from Camden Yards, and protective netting from foul pole to foul pole. A little further down the left-field corner is the Duck Blind, where specially-priced tickets allow fans inclusive food and beverage options. The triple deck area also features private suites, rooftop seating, and a field-level area directly behind right field where fans enjoy the game from repurposed seating. Behind the press box is an area where fans purchase food from the main concession areas with three new eateries: Dinger Donuts, I’d Smoked That, and Let’s Get Fried. You can purchase 21 drafts of beer from Short Hops next door. Fans looking to take it a little bit easy on game night can enjoy the game from the expanded grass seating area called The Backyard. The seats are near the scoreboard, lit up in green, and offer access to the ballpark for food and drink. Neighborhood 3 Warner Park is on the northeast side of town near Lake Mendota. It is inside a community park and across the street from a strip mall and Beef Butter BBQ. There are a few regional and national chain restaurants within a few miles of the ballpark. Downtown Madison is 5 miles south. Visitors can walk up and down State Street, a pedestrian-only sidewalk, and enjoy a few local college hangouts and small restaurants. State Street Brats is a popular location, and at certain times of the day, you can flip a coin to determine the price of your beer. Just a block away is the Memorial Union sightseers sit along Lake Mendota and watch the sunset along benches, colorful chairs, and from the various piers. There are small food stands selling food and drink to enjoy the sunset in the distance across the lake. It is recommended to relish this summertime tradition in Madison. Visitors can bike and enjoy walking trails around the lake or hop on a kayak or boat during the warm summer months. The Capitol Observation Deck offers fantastic views of the lake and the city. The Madison Night Market showcases handmade products, gifts, and live music. Maxwell Street Days is a street festival in July offering sidewalk sales. Madison Forward FC plays their home matches at Breese-Stevens Field just north of downtown to frenzy crowds in the historic venue. The USL League One season overlaps the Mallards season from June through August. Fans 5 The Mallards fans are among the best in all of baseball. They continue to pack the Duck Pond with 6,000-plus or more fans each game. The fan's dedication is observed, with many tailgating in the parking lot before the game and several more waiting in line to be the first to walk through the gates. Access 4 Warner Park was constructed when there was nothing much but the metal grandstand. The Mallards have built around it and have freed up much-needed space behind the main concession area. There are two entrances at both ends of right and left field, a middle concourse in the seating bowl, and plenty of signage to direct fans to their seats and other sections of the ballpark. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices to Mallards games are very affordable. The lowest price tickets in section 608, or only $6.08. Ticket prices increase to $10 for seating in the backyard, $13 for terrace seating, $15 for dugout seats, and $18 for scout seats. Duck Blind tickets are $26 or $38 from Sunday to Wednesday and $38 and $45 from Thursday to Saturday, depending on whether you're drinking beer or soda. There is no charge for parking, concession prices are somewhat affordable, and souvenir prices are in line with minor league clubs across the country. The team offers promotional nights from Bark on the Park Wednesdays to Mark in the Park, where anyone named Mark can participate in a pre-game parade. Click the link for more information. Extras 4 The Duck Blind might have been the first all-you-can-eat-and-drink section in baseball. It is now common throughout the game, but the party section in the right field corner is still impressive with its brat of the game and selection of local craft beer. Players greet fans at the main entrance in the left-field corner of the ballpark. Fans then enjoy a stroll down a carnival-like trail filled with mascots, tents, a kids' play area, and local businesses hocking prizes. This is how you should greet your fans. The Mallards have taken an old erector set of a ballpark discarded by the minor and independent leagues and turned it into the place to be for the summertime in Madison. The Ducks have added many touches: neon signs for concession stands, a refurbished souvenir shop, and various spots to enjoy the game. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. If there are questions, a Mallards representative is not far away. Also, they will be on the lookout for anyone who has trouble finding a seat or looking for a specific spot. Final Thoughts The Madison Mallards might be the OG's of packing in exciting crowds in summer collegiate baseball. Before the Savannah Bananas brought record numbers to their ballpark, the Mallards were among the leaders in baseball in average attendance numbers at Warner Park. This last trip did not disappoint, and The Pond is still one of the best experiences a fan can have in not just the Northwoods League but all of baseball during the summer months. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com